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Minnesota Appeals Court judge sentenced after DWI snowbank crash

On Jan. 2, 2026, Renee Lee Worke waived a jury trial and pleaded guilty to an amended misdemeanor count of driving while intoxicated in Steele County court.
On Jan. 2, 2026, a Steele County Sheriff's deputy discovered Worke's vehicle stuck in a snowbank on U.S. Highway 14 at the I-35 overpass, leading to her arrest.
A breath test at 10:02 p.m. showed Worke's BAC at.16, twice the legal limit, deputies observed bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and unsteady balance before taking her to the Steele County Detention Center.
A plea deal dismissed the original DWI charge and imposed one year of probation, a $500 fine, 15 hours community work service, and required abstaining from alcohol, random testing and evaluation.
Worke's judicial service, including her appointment on June 9, 2005, and coverage by FOX 9 noting Black Friday timing, heightens public interest in the case.

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Court of Appeals judge sentenced for DWI in Steele County

Renee Worke, age 67, of Owatonna, pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated from an incident occurring on Nov. 29. Renee Worke is an elected Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge.

4 days ago

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ABC 6 NEWS

Center

Minnesota Court of Appeals judge pleads guilty, sentenced in DWI case

Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Renee Worke pleaded guilty to one charge of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated Tuesday, Jan. 2.

4 days ago

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Fox 9

Center

Minnesota Appeals Court judge sentenced after DWI snowbank crash

A Minnesota Court of Appeals judge has been sentenced with driving under the influence after authorities found her and her vehicle stuck in a snowbank on Black Friday.

4 days ago·Minneapolis, United States

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Post Bulletin

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Center

Minnesota appellate court judge given probation for drunk driving

OWATONNA, Minn. — A Minnesota appellate court judge was ordered to serve probation after pleading guilty to driving while drunk. Renee Worke, age 67, of Owatonna, waived her right to a jury trial on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, and pleaded guilty to one count of driving with a blood alcohol content above .08. Worke is an elected Minnesota Court of Appeals judge. She was taken into custody on Nov. 29, 2025, after a Steele County Sheriff’s deputy came ac…

4 days ago·Cherokee County, United States

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