Sentencing Announced In Hennepin County Sheriff's DWI Case

HENNEPIN COUNTY, MN — Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor DWI. He was given two years of probation and has to pay $610 in various fines and fees.

Hutchinson will avoid a 90-day jail sentence as long as he obeys the terms of his probation.

His probation includes:

• A chemical assessment
• No alcohol violations
• No driver license violations
• Submit to random testing
• No alcohol or controlled-substance use

Hutchinson was charged following a single-car crash that happened just outside of Alexandria on I-94 on Dec. 8. His blood alcohol content was .13, according to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The crash happened at about 2:30 a.m., authorities said. Douglas County Sheriff's deputies responded to the crash scene and suspected impairment.

Hutchinson sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to Alomere Hospital. He was wearing a seat belt, authorities said.

"As Sheriff, I made the wellness of my staff a priority; however, I didn't practice what I preached," Hutchinson said in a statement following his guilty plea.

"This incident is a wake-up call for me. I understand the seriousness of my actions, for which I take full responsibility."

Hutchinson said he is now enrolled in an outpatient treatment program to address his issues with alcohol and overall health.

"This is the first step in the road toward recovery and regaining the trust of the people I work with and the residents of Hennepin County whom I serve," he added. "I have returned to work and will focus on my duties as Sheriff."