Sausen's trial starts today

The misdemeanor DUI jury trial of Assistant Crow Wing County Attorney John Sausen started today in Crow Wing County District Court.

Sausen, 52, a Nisswa area resident, was stopped and cited Aug. 8, 2002, by a Nisswa police officer for expired registration on his 1991 black Ford Thunderbird coupe. During the stop, the Nisswa police officer noticed an odor of alcohol and asked Sausen to step out of the vehicle for a sobriety test at which time the officer determined Sausen was under the influence.

Initial hearings were held in Itasca County District Court in Grand Rapids before Judge John Hawkinson, but since have been moved back to Crow Wing County. Hawkinson will preside.

Sausen also is charged with expired vehicle registration.