Woman faces another DWI

A Cloquet woman was charged with first-degree driving while impaired on Dec. 20, after being found guilty of at least six other DWIs over the past 27 years along with four convictions for felony test refusal.

France Margaret Smith, 61, faces new charges of first-degree felony DWI, felony refusal to submit to a breath test, not carrying proof of insurance and lack of illumination for rear license plates.

According to the criminal complaint, Carlton County Sheriff’s Office deputy Jon Stracek observed a truck stopped for a long time at the four-way stop sign at 14th Street and Carlton Avenue. When he ran the license plate, he learned Smith’s license status was cancelled. When he subsequently stopped Smith, the deputy noticed signs of intoxication and asked Smith to perform several field sobriety tests. She allegedly admitted to “smoking some weed” about 30 minutes before the stop, and also admitted to drinking beer. After the deputy placed her under arrest and brought her to the Justice Center, Smith allegedly became belligerent, threatening him.

Smith’s next hearing is Jan. 13 at the Carlton County Justice Center.