Rusty Moore Vs Megan Boser Traffic Stop Lawsuit, Minnesota Trooper Arrested Man With 0.00 BAC—He Missed His Daughter's Graduation And Lost His CDL

0.00. That’s what the breathalyzer read when Minnesota State Trooper Megan Boser arrested Rusty Moore for driving while impaired on May 31, 2024. Zero alcohol in his system. Stone-cold sober by every measurable standard.

She arrested him anyway.

The next morning, Moore sat in jail while his daughter walked across the graduation stage without him. Days later, he lost his commercial driver’s license—the only way he makes a living. Months later, despite blood tests confirming he was legally taking a prescribed medication exactly as directed, a Minnesota court upheld his DWI conviction.

Now, the Megan Boser traffic stop case has exploded on social media, with millions demanding answers: How does a trooper arrest someone with a 0.00 BAC? Why did courts uphold it? And what does this mean for your rights during a traffic stop?

The case of Rusty Moore vs. Trooper Megan Boser reveals a disturbing legal reality: Even if you’re completely sober, you can still be convicted of DWI. Here’s what happened, why the courts sided with the trooper despite zero alcohol, and what every driver needs to know to protect themselves.

Who Is Megan Boser? The “Officer of the Year” at the Center of Controversy

Megan Boser is a Minnesota State Patrol trooper who graduated from Bemidji State University in 2017 with a degree in criminal justice. She joined the Minnesota State Patrol and quickly earned recognition within law enforcement circles.

Her Rise to Recognition:

In June 2023, Boser became the first woman and only the second state trooper ever to receive the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association’s “Officer of the Year” award.

The award came after an April 28, 2022, incident in Morrison County where Boser and Deputy Dale Haberer shot and killed Charles Bangs, 59, during a drug task force operation. According to official reports, Bangs pointed a handgun at officers during a traffic stop, and Boser “took decisive action and prevented potential loss of life.”

Morrison County Attorney Brian Middendorf ruled the shooting justified. Body camera footage released later showed Bangs holding a gun. The case was closed with Boser cleared of any wrongdoing.

Rusty Moore vs Megan Boser Traffic Stop Lawsuit, Minnesota Trooper Arrested Man With 0.00 BAC—He Missed His Daughter's Graduation and Lost His CDL

The Public Perception Shift:

Fast forward to May 2024. That same trooper—celebrated for bravery and awarded the highest honor from Minnesota’s largest law enforcement association—conducted a DWI traffic stop that has now become one of the most controversial arrests in recent Minnesota history.

The Rusty Moore case has fractured public opinion on Trooper Boser, with social media users questioning whether the “Officer of the Year” award was deserved or if it’s evidence of a law enforcement system that protects its own regardless of conduct.

What Happened During the Traffic Stop: The Rusty Moore Arrest

On May 31, 2024, someone called Minnesota State Patrol reporting a “tan sedan driving all over the road” near Little Falls, Minnesota.

A Little Falls police officer stopped Moore’s vehicle. Then Trooper Megan Boser arrived on scene.

What Happened Next (According to Court Records and Bodycam Footage):

Boser observed what she claimed were “signs of possible impairment.” According to appellate court documents filed August 25, 2025, in Case No. A24-1896 (Moore v. Commissioner of Public Safety), the following sequence occurred:

Initial Contact: Boser approached Moore and began questioning him about medications
Medication Disclosure: Moore told Boser he takes Adderall 30mg daily as prescribed for ADHD
Field Sobriety Tests: Boser administered field sobriety tests, including a one-legged stand test
Breathalyzer Result: Moore blew 0.00 BAC—absolutely no alcohol detected
Arrest Anyway: Despite zero alcohol, Boser arrested Moore for DWI, claiming impairment from his prescription medication

Moore’s Account of What Happened:

In interviews with Presence News and in court testimony, Moore describes a different version of events:

He disclosed his Adderall prescription immediately when asked
He explained he had taken 30mg that morning—exactly as prescribed
Boser’s demeanor suggested she had “convicted” him within 5-8 seconds of initial contact
After his breathalyzer showed 0.00, Boser consulted with the original officer about Moore’s “past offenses”
Boser then instructed the other officer to “add more” charges
Moore believes Boser needed arrests for a month-end quota

The Accusation of Perjury:

Moore claims Boser testified in court that she stopped the one-legged stand test “for her safety” because Moore was “so impaired.” Moore states that anyone who watches the full bodycam video can see this is false.

“Everyone who has seen the whole video knows that it is not true,” Moore told reporters. He has accused Trooper Boser of lying under oath.

The Legal Aftermath: Why Courts Upheld the DWI Conviction Despite 0.00 BAC

Here’s where the case gets legally complex—and frightening for everyday drivers.

Blood Tests Confirmed Moore Was Taking His Prescription as Directed:

After his arrest, Moore’s blood was tested. The results showed:

No alcohol (confirming the 0.00 breathalyzer)
Amphetamine levels consistent with taking Adderall 30mg as prescribed
No evidence of drug abuse or taking medication improperly

Moore had a valid prescription. He took the medication exactly as his doctor ordered. The blood work proved it.

But Minnesota Law Allows DWI Convictions for Legal Prescriptions:

Under Minnesota Statutes § 169A.20, a person can be convicted of DWI if they operate a vehicle while:

Under the influence of alcohol
Under the influence of a controlled substance
Under the influence of a combination of alcohol and controlled substance
Knowingly under the influence of a hazardous substance that affects the nervous system

The Critical Legal Standard:

You don’t have to be taking medication illegally. You don’t have to exceed prescribed doses. You simply have to be “impaired” by the substance—even if it’s legally prescribed and taken exactly as directed.

The District Court’s Ruling:

The district court found that Moore was impaired by his legally prescribed Adderall, even though:

He had a valid prescription
He took it as directed
Blood tests showed normal therapeutic levels
He blew 0.00 for alcohol

The August 2025 Appeals Court Decision:

On August 25, 2025, the Minnesota Court of Appeals issued a nonprecedential opinion in Case No. A24-1896 affirming the district court’s decision.

The appeals court ruled:

Boser had reasonable suspicion to investigate possible impairment
Moore’s admission to taking Adderall combined with Boser’s observations of impairment justified the arrest
The burden was on Moore to prove he wasn’t impaired
The district court’s finding that he was impaired was supported by evidence

Translation: Even though Moore blew 0.00, took his medication legally, and blood tests confirmed proper use, the court believed Trooper Boser’s assessment of impairment over the objective breathalyzer result.

Moore lost his appeal. His DWI conviction stands.

The Devastating Consequences: What Rusty Moore Lost

The morning after his arrest, Moore was supposed to watch his daughter graduate. He was in jail instead.

What This Arrest Cost Moore:

His daughter’s graduation – Missed an irreplaceable life milestone while sitting in a jail cell
His commercial driver’s license (CDL) – Automatically suspended after DWI conviction
His livelihood – As a professional truck driver, losing his CDL means losing his ability to earn a living
His reputation – A DWI conviction follows you forever, affecting employment, insurance, and background checks
Legal fees – Thousands of dollars fighting charges in district court and appeals court
Time and stress – Over a year fighting through the legal system, only to lose

The Alleged Settlement:

Social media posts claim Moore received a $250,000 settlement in 2025 from a civil lawsuit against Trooper Boser. However, Presence News and other outlets have been unable to verify this information, and no public court records confirm a settlement. If a settlement exists, it was likely confidential.

Even if Moore received $250,000, he cannot get back his daughter’s graduation. He cannot erase the DWI conviction. And he cannot restore the year of his life spent fighting false charges.

The Broader Issue: Prescription DWI Laws Across America

Moore’s case isn’t unique. It’s part of a growing trend of DWI arrests and convictions for people taking legally prescribed medications.

The Legal Reality in All 50 States:

Every state has laws allowing DWI/DUI convictions for driving under the influence of drugs—including legal prescription medications.

The “Per Se” Law Problem:

Some states have “per se” DWI laws for controlled substances. This means that if certain drugs are detected in your system at any level, you’re automatically guilty—even if you’re not actually impaired.

Minnesota doesn’t have a per se law for prescription medications. But Minnesota law does allow conviction based on an officer’s subjective assessment of impairment, even when objective tests (like a 0.00 breathalyzer) show no alcohol.

Common Prescription Medications That Can Lead to DWI:

ADHD medications – Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse
Benzodiazepines – Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin
Opioid pain medications – Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine
Sleep aids – Ambien, Lunesta
Anti-anxiety medications – Buspar
Muscle relaxers – Flexeril, Soma
Antidepressants – In rare cases, SSRIs and other antidepressants

The Catch-22:

If you don’t take your medication, your condition (ADHD, anxiety, chronic pain) may make you unsafe to drive. But if you do take your medication as prescribed, an officer can still arrest you for DWI based on subjective observations.

Your Rights During a Traffic Stop: What the Megan Boser Case Teaches Us

The Moore v. Boser case provides critical lessons for protecting yourself during traffic stops.

What You Should Know:

If You Take Prescription Medications:

Carry your prescription bottle – Keep it in your vehicle with your current prescription label visible
Disclose immediately – If asked about medications, state you’re taking a prescribed medication as directed
Don’t volunteer extra information – Answer questions directly but don’t elaborate unnecessarily
Document your dosage – Know exactly when you took your medication and how much

During Field Sobriety Tests:

Field sobriety tests are voluntary in Minnesota. You have the right to refuse them, though refusal can be used as evidence of impairment.

Common Field Sobriety Tests:

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) – Officer tracks your eye movements
Walk and Turn – Nine heel-to-toe steps in a straight line
One-Leg Stand – Stand on one foot for 30 seconds

These tests are subjective. They can be affected by:

Medical conditions (inner ear problems, joint issues, neurological conditions)
Age and physical fitness
Nervousness or anxiety
Road conditions and weather
Clothing (especially shoes)
Officer bias or predetermined conclusions

Moore’s Experience:

Moore claims Boser had “convicted” him within seconds of contact, before any tests. The one-leg stand test became a formality to justify an arrest decision already made.

Regarding Breathalyzers:

In Minnesota, you can refuse a preliminary breathalyzer (PBT) during a traffic stop. However, if you’re arrested, refusing the official breath, blood, or urine test at the station results in automatic license revocation under Minnesota’s implied consent law.

Key Difference:

Preliminary Breathalyzer (Roadside): Can refuse with lesser consequences
Official Chemical Test (After Arrest): Refusal triggers automatic license loss

Moore’s 0.00 breathalyzer didn’t protect him because Minnesota law allows DWI convictions for drug impairment even with zero alcohol.

Your Fourth Amendment Rights:

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

What This Means During Traffic Stops:

Officers need reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle
Officers need probable cause to arrest you
You have the right to refuse consent to search your vehicle (though officers can search if they have probable cause)

The Problem:

“Probable cause” for DWI is a low bar. An officer’s subjective observations—slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, unsteady gait, odor of intoxicants—are often enough, even when objective tests contradict those observations.

Related Legal Issues and Resources

The Megan Boser traffic stop case connects to broader questions about police misconduct lawsuits, wrongful arrest claims, civil rights litigation, and Fourth Amendment protections during law enforcement encounters.

Key Legal Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Megan Boser Traffic Stop Lawsuit

Who is Megan Boser?

Megan Boser is a Minnesota State Patrol trooper who joined the force in 2017 after graduating from Bemidji State University. In 2023, she became the first female Minnesota State Trooper to win the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association’s “Officer of the Year” award after being involved in a justified shooting in 2022.

What happened during the Rusty Moore traffic stop?

On May 31, 2024, Trooper Megan Boser arrested Rusty Moore for DWI despite Moore blowing a 0.00 on the breathalyzer. Boser claimed Moore was impaired by his legally prescribed Adderall medication, which he had taken as directed that morning. Moore was arrested, missed his daughter’s graduation, and lost his commercial driver’s license.

Why was Rusty Moore convicted if he blew 0.00 on the breathalyzer?

Minnesota law allows DWI convictions for impairment from controlled substances, including legally prescribed medications. Even though Moore had zero alcohol and was taking Adderall as prescribed, the court found that he was “impaired” based on Trooper Boser’s observations during field sobriety tests.

Did Rusty Moore win his appeal?

No. On August 25, 2025, the Minnesota Court of Appeals issued a nonprecedential opinion in Case A24-1896 affirming the district court’s decision to uphold Moore’s DWI conviction and license revocation. The appeals court sided with Trooper Boser’s assessment of impairment.

Is there a lawsuit against Megan Boser?

Social media claims suggest Rusty Moore filed a civil lawsuit against Trooper Boser and reached a $250,000 settlement in 2025, but this has not been verified by court records or credible news sources. The criminal case and administrative license revocation have been resolved in favor of the state.

Can you get a DWI for taking prescription medication as directed?

Yes. In all 50 states, you can be arrested and convicted for DWI/DUI if an officer determines you’re impaired by a legally prescribed medication, even if you’re taking it exactly as directed by your doctor. The burden is on you to prove you weren’t impaired.

What medications can get you a DWI?

Common medications that can lead to DWI arrests include ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), opioid pain medications, sleep aids (Ambien), muscle relaxers, and some antidepressants. Any medication that could affect driving ability may be grounds for DWI.

Did Megan Boser lie under oath about the field sobriety test?

Rusty Moore alleges that Trooper Boser testified in court that she stopped the one-leg stand test “for her safety” because Moore was “so impaired.” Moore claims bodycam footage proves this testimony is false and that Boser committed perjury. These are Moore’s allegations; no charges have been filed against Boser.

What happened to Rusty Moore’s commercial driver’s license?

Moore lost his CDL after the DWI conviction. As a professional truck driver, this meant losing his livelihood. He fought through district court and appeals court to try to get it reinstated but was unsuccessful. The license revocation stands.

Can you refuse field sobriety tests in Minnesota?

Yes. Field sobriety tests are voluntary in Minnesota, and you have the right to refuse them. However, refusing can be used as evidence of impairment. The official chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) after arrest is different—refusing that test results in automatic license revocation under implied consent law.

What are your rights during a DWI traffic stop?

You have the right to remain silent (though you must provide license, registration, and insurance), the right to refuse voluntary field sobriety tests, the right to refuse a preliminary breathalyzer, and Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches. However, once arrested, refusing the official chemical test triggers automatic license loss.

Has Megan Boser been involved in other controversial cases?

In April 2022, Trooper Boser shot and killed Charles Bangs during a drug task force traffic stop. Body camera footage showed Bangs holding a gun, and the shooting was ruled justified. Boser received the “Officer of the Year” award for her actions. The Rusty Moore case is her first publicly controversial arrest.

How can I protect myself if I take prescription medications and get pulled over?

Carry your prescription bottle with a current label, disclose medications immediately when asked, document when and how much you took, consider refusing voluntary field sobriety tests, and contact an attorney immediately if arrested. Never drive if you feel impaired, regardless of whether medication is prescribed.

What is the status of the Megan Boser case now?

Rusty Moore’s criminal conviction and license revocation have been upheld through the appeals process as of November 2025. The case is closed in the criminal justice system. Whether a civil lawsuit settlement occurred remains unverified.

The Bigger Picture: When Law Enforcement Goes Unchecked

The Megan Boser traffic stop case isn’t just about one arrest or one trooper. It’s about a legal system that allows subjective officer observations to override objective evidence.

Rusty Moore blew 0.00. Blood tests confirmed he was taking his medication properly. And he still lost everything.

The Systemic Problems This Case Exposes:

1. Subjective Impairment Standards

When an officer’s opinion carries more weight than objective measurements, innocent people get convicted. Moore’s 0.00 breathalyzer should have ended the investigation. Instead, it was dismissed as irrelevant.

2. The Prescription Medication Trap

Millions of Americans take ADHD medications, anti-anxiety medications, and pain medications exactly as prescribed. They follow doctor’s orders. They’re managing legitimate medical conditions.

And any of them can be arrested for DWI based on an officer’s subjective assessment—even with zero evidence of actual impairment.

3. The Burden of Proof Problem

In theory, prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In practice, once you’re arrested for DWI, you have to prove you weren’t impaired. That’s nearly impossible when the entire case rests on one officer’s observations.

Moore tried. He provided medical records. He showed his prescription. Blood tests confirmed proper use. The court still sided with Boser’s subjective assessment.

4. Qualified Immunity and Accountability

Even if Boser’s arrest was wrong—even if she lied under oath about the field sobriety test, as Moore alleges—she faces no professional consequences.

She won “Officer of the Year.” Her superiors praised her “unwavering commitment.” And when a man with a 0.00 BAC gets convicted based on her testimony, the system protects her.

That’s qualified immunity in action. Officers are shielded from civil lawsuits unless they violate “clearly established” constitutional rights. Arresting someone with a 0.00 BAC for taking prescribed medication? The courts say that’s not a constitutional violation.

5. The Appeals Process Fails

Moore did everything right after his wrongful arrest. He hired an attorney. He fought the charges. He appealed. He presented evidence.

The system still sided with the trooper.

The message is clear: If you’re arrested for DWI based on prescription medication, even with a 0.00 BAC, your chances of winning are slim. The legal system defaults to believing the officer, no matter what the objective evidence shows.

What Happens Next: Can Megan Boser Be Held Accountable?

As of November 2025, Trooper Megan Boser remains on active duty with the Minnesota State Patrol. She has faced no disciplinary action for the Rusty Moore arrest.

Possible Paths Forward:

1. Internal Investigation

The Minnesota State Patrol could conduct an internal affairs investigation into Boser’s conduct during the Moore arrest, particularly regarding Moore’s allegations of perjury. However, internal investigations rarely result in meaningful discipline.

2. Civil Lawsuit

If Moore did file a civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging false arrest and malicious prosecution, he would face qualified immunity defenses. Civil rights attorneys note that such lawsuits are extremely difficult to win, especially when courts have already upheld the conviction.

3. Legislative Reform

Minnesota lawmakers could reform DWI laws to provide clearer protections for people taking prescription medications as directed. This could include:

Requiring objective evidence of impairment beyond officer observation
Creating a “safe harbor” for therapeutic levels of prescribed medications
Mandatory bodycam footage review before charges are filed
Independent oversight of DWI arrests with 0.00 BAC readings

4. Public Pressure

Social media has amplified Moore’s story, with millions viewing videos about his case on TikTok, X (Twitter), and other platforms. Public pressure could force the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to review Boser’s conduct—though historically, such pressure rarely results in consequences for officers.

Final Thoughts: Justice Denied in Plain Sight

Rusty Moore did nothing wrong.

He took his prescribed medication as directed. He drove safely. When stopped, he disclosed his prescription. He submitted to field sobriety tests. He blew a 0.00 on the breathalyzer.

And he lost anyway.

He lost his daughter’s graduation. He lost his commercial driver’s license. He lost his livelihood. He lost a year of his life fighting false charges.

Trooper Megan Boser lost nothing. She kept her job. She kept her “Officer of the Year” award. She continues conducting traffic stops with the same authority that destroyed Rusty Moore’s life.

The courts sided with her. The system protected her. And Minnesota law gave her the power to arrest someone with a 0.00 BAC and make it stick.

This case should terrify every American who takes prescription medication. Because if it happened to Rusty Moore—a man who followed every rule, disclosed everything, and had objective evidence of sobriety—it can happen to anyone.

The breathalyzer read 0.00. That should have been the end of the story.

Instead, it was just the beginning of Rusty Moore’s nightmare—and a warning to every driver in America.

This article provides legal information based on public court records, appellate opinions, news reports, and publicly available information. It should not be construed as legal advice. If you’re facing DWI charges or believe you were wrongfully arrested, consult a qualified DWI defense attorney in your state immediately.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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