Former Hennepin County sentenced to probation, community service for DWI charge
UPDATE 12/12/22 – Online court records show a former Hennepin County commissioner will serve two years of supervised probation after entering a guilty plea to a DWI charge filed against him earlier this year.
According to court records, 61-year-old Michael Opat will serve two years of probation after pleading guilty to the charge last week.
Judge Bruce Peterson stayed a 30-day sentence at the Hennepin County Workhouse but ordered Opat to pay more than $370 in fees, complete a DWI assessment and clinic, and also serve two days of community service within a 90-day period.
As part of a plea deal, one count of third-degree DWI refusal to submit to a chemical test was dismissed.
Opat was first elected to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners in 1992 and served 28 years, opting not to seek reelection in 2020.
A previous version of this report can be found below.
INITIAL REPORT 12/8/22 – Court documents show a former commissioner for Hennepin County has signed a guilty plea petition.
As previously reported by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, 61-year-old Michael Opat was arrested by Dayton police in early October of 2022. Records show Opat faced charges of one count of third-degree DWI refusal to submit to test and one count of fourth-degree DWI.
According to the criminal complaint, Dayton police initiated a traffic stop shortly before 10 p.m. on Oct. 5 after Opat allegedly failed to make a full stop at a stop sign. The criminal complaint alleges Opat had bloodshot eyes and the officer reported smelling alcohol. Court records state Opat “admitted to having a few drinks before driving.” The complaint continues to allege that Opat agreed to take a breath test but, as the arresting officer was preparing the test, Opat “stated that he changed his mind” and refused to take the test.
A guilty plea petition signed Tuesday, which still has to be accepted by a judge, says Opat would agree to plead guilty to the misdemeanor DWI count and the first count would be dismissed.
The agreement goes on to say that he would serve two years of probation under standard terms, attend a DWI program, pay a $300 fine and more.
A future court date hasn’t been scheduled as of this publishing.
Opat was first elected to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners in 1992 and served 28 years, opting not to seek reelection in 2020.