Rolf Sponheim, Associate City Attorney for Minnetonka, is retiring after more than 30 years of service. Sponheim, who joined the city for the pure pursuit of justice, reflected on a career that spanned the transition from paper files to digital case management. He cited jury trials as one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.
One notable case involved a driver with seven DWI charges, who was convicted after driving on the wrong side of the road. At the time, felony DWI laws weren’t in place, but the city secured the maximum sentence at the gross misdemeanor level. In retirement, Sponheim plans to enjoy the outdoors and return to a longtime hobby, playing guitar. “I still have my old, cheap guitar that I’ve had since I was a teenager,” he said. He hopes to upgrade and spend more time making music.
His departure marks the end of a dedicated legal career focused on public service and community safety.
