MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota state representative will serve two days in jail with an additional 88 days stayed with conditions after pleading guilty to driving drunk last October.
Chisago County court records show Rep. Brion Curran (DFL-Vadnais Heights) pleaded guilty to misdemeanor fourth-degree DWI this month in exchange for having other charges dropped. According to the original criminal complaint, Curran's blood-alcohol level at the time she was pulled over was more than twice the legal limit to drive.
As part of Curran's guilty plea, a judge sentenced her on Wednesday to serve two days at the Chisago County Jail with another 88 days stayed for up to two years of supervised probation on conditions she pays a $400 fine, complete any recommendations for a comprehensive assessment, attend a MADD victim impact panel and remain law-abiding.
Officers responded to reports that a vehicle went off the roadway in the early morning hours of Oct. 9, 2023, on Interstate 35 near Harris, Minnesota. When they arrived, the complaint said officers found Curran driving slowly on the shoulder of the highway with her hazard lights flashing and a flat driver's side front tire.
As officers initiated a stop, a deputy reported seeing damage to the front corner of the vehicle, while Curran displayed bloodshot, watery eyes and reportedly smelled of alcohol. The complaint said Curran admitted to having "three drinks" before completing a field sobriety test at the Chisago County Jail, which showed a blood-alcohol content level of .16.
“I accept responsibility for driving under the influence of alcohol. I regret my decisions and I am sincerely grateful that no one was hurt," said Curran in a statement. “I want to thank the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office for ensuring my safety and the safety of others. I know that trust is earned and, once broken, is difficult to repair. Since October, in recognition of the seriousness of my actions, I have been attending courses and training related to the dangers of drunk driving. I’m sorry for the decisions I made, and by pleading guilty, I accept full responsibility.”
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