My issue involves possession of weed. To be specific, the weed in question came from a lake, where it is a native species and lives out its life as a natural part of the food chain. It became attached to my boat trailer, presumably 2 weeks before the incident, when I either put my boat into a lake or took it out of that lake.
As I took my family of 4, plus my 2 parents, out of town to begin a relaxing vacation to a northern Wisconsin cabin, the MN DNR detoured my route plan via a roadside check. This consisted of 8 to 12 officers directing anyone pulling a boat to drive into a school parking lot for a mandatory inspection and possible cleansing via an expensive washing device. When the trailer for my 24 foot pontoon boat was inspected, they found a “significant” amount of weeds on it. I have attached a picture I took of the “significant” amount of weeds that fit in the palm of one of the female officers hands. The purpose of the inspection was to look for invasive species of weeds and/or mussels. The weeds on my trailer were not invasive, they were native. For my crime of transporting native species of weeds I received a ticket that I believe to be worth $130 to the state and an initial court date of September 23rd for Chisago County, Minnesota. I have had that initial court date and now have a pre-trial set for the end of October.
The amount of the fine does not justify the cost of an attorney. However, as I believe that both the laws and the enforcement of the laws are not constitutional, I intend to go through the legal proceedings rather than fork over the money immediately. If you or anyone you know would be interested in taking on this case, please let me know. I believe it may involve the concepts of privacy, probable cause, due process and requiring perfection for compliance. It may prove to be a good way to get your name out there, as it is a contentious issue. Even having someone help by answering legal questions I have about the trial process and about the specifics I am arguing would be a great help.
Thanks!