State Court Hears Case Of Drunken Mora Driver Fleeing Abuse

ST. PAUL (AP) - The Minnesota Supreme Court is hearing a challenge to a driver's license revocation by a woman who says she drove drunk only to escape from her abusive husband.

Jennifer Axelberg was arrested for drunken driving in Kanabec County two years ago. She and her husband had an argument that turned physical at a cabin near Mora. Axelberg says she ran to her car for protection from her husband. Axelberg argues the harm caused by breaking the law was less than the damage that could have resulted from obeying it.

Her husband pleaded guilty to domestic abuse. The Axelbergs are now sober and have mended their relationship. A lawyer for the state Department of Public Safety argues the license revocation cannot be overturned. The high court did not immediately rule on the case.