Wrong Turn, G.R. Anderson Jr.,
Minneapolis-St. Paul City Pages
‘Just plead guilty, give ’em your money, and get on with your
life,’ a Department of Motor Vehicles worker suggests to City
Pages writer G.R. Anderson Jr. after his driver’s license
is revoked for a drunk driving charge. But Anderson can’t get on
with his life: It is his first DWI, and his first night in jail.
The experience leaves him ashamed and devastated. As he navigates
through the DWI system, however, his feelings change from one of
reflection to one of vindication. ‘I’m supposed to be learning my
lesson about the dangers of driving drunk,’ he says. ‘But I’m too
busy taking a crash course on outsmarting the cops.’ After hiring a
lawyer, Anderson decides to contest the charge in court. Six months
and thousands of dollars later, his DWI charge is decreased to two
misdemeanors, one year probation, a fine, and a DWI education
class. His triumph over the system doesn’t leave him unremorseful,
though. Anderson vows to never get behind the wheel even if he’s
‘had a whiff of alcohol.’
–Kate Garsombke
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