Vehicular Operation & Homicide Defense Attorney in Minnesota
Life can throw unexpected curveballs that feel like they will completely derail your life. One such curveball is a charge involving criminal vehicular operation (CVO) or criminal vehicular homicide (CVH). Our experienced CVO and CVH defense attorneys understand the emotional turmoil and confusion that comes with such allegations and will ensure your side of the story is heard. Having a Universal Defense attorney in your corner can make all the difference.
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Criminal Vehicular Operation in Minnesota
Criminal vehicular operation (CVO) charges typically arise when a person operates a motor vehicle in a negligent manner, causing substantial or great bodily harm to another person. At the time of the accident, the driver may have been:
- Under the influence of alcohol
- Under the influence of a controlled substance
- Driving recklessly or in a negligent manner
- Knowingly driving a defective or unsafe vehicle
- Knowingly causing an accident and fleeing the scene
Criminal vehicular operation is a serious charge in Minnesota that can result in a gross misdemeanor or felony conviction, along with severe DMV penalties that could affect your ability to drive. Universal Defense can provide legal representation for gross misdemeanor and felony criminal vehicular operation charges.
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Penalties for Criminal Vehicular Operation in Minnesota
Criminal vehicular operation charges also carry significant penalties, including (but not limited to):
- Potential loss of rights if convicted of a felony
- Up to a $10,000 fine
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Revocation of driving privileges
Because the consequences of these charges could have a significant impact on your personal and professional life, it’s important to have a Minnesota criminal vehicular operation attorney on your side.
Criminal Vehicular Homicide in Minnesota
Under Minnesota law, criminal vehicular homicide (CVH) occurs when a person causes the death of another human being, including the death of an unborn child, by operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner. This includes situations where the driver:
- Was under the influence of alcohol.
- Was under the influence of a controlled substance.
- Drove recklessly or in a negligent manner.
- Knowingly caused an accident and fled the scene.
- Had been warned about or cited for a vehicle defect but still drove the vehicle without getting repairs.
The key elements in a criminal vehicular homicide case are the driver's actions must show a blatant disregard for the safety of others, and the driver’s negligence must directly cause the death of another. It is up to the prosecution to prove this level of negligence beyond a reasonable doubt. You can protect your future and reputation by hiring a vehicular homicide attorney with decades of experience. Our team at Universal Defense is available 24/7 to discuss the details of your case and develop a strong defense strategy.
Penalties for Criminal Vehicular Homicide
The penalties for criminal vehicular homicide in Minnesota are severe. A conviction can result in:
- Loss of rights as a convicted felon
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fines of up to $20,000
- Revocation of driving privileges
The severity of a sentence will depend on specific circumstances of the case, such as prior instances of reckless or negligent driving, a driver’s criminal history, their blood alcohol content, the presence of any controlled substances, and whether the driver knowingly fled the scene.
How Our Legal Team Can Help You
At Universal Defense, our criminal vehicular operation and criminal vehicular homicide attorneys in Minnesota have the knowledge and experience to aggressively defend you against an array of misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony charges. We will thoroughly investigate the incident, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and explore all possible defenses to protect your rights and your future. Specifically, Universal Defense can help you by:
- Challenging the accuracy of blood or breath test results.
- Demonstrating that your actions were not grossly negligent.
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges.
- Arguing for alternatives to jail or prison sentences.
- Presenting mitigating factors that could lead to a more lenient sentence.
- Protecting your driving privileges and exploring options for license reinstatement.
Call Now to Speak to a CVO or CVH Attorney in Minnesota
If you or a loved one has been charged with criminal vehicular operation or criminal vehicular homicide in Minnesota, time is of the essence. Call Universal Defense today to speak with a lawyer who can provide the guidance and representation you need to protect your rights and your future. Backed by decades of experience, Universal Defense can begin your comprehensive defense strategy today. We can also provide legal representation for drug crimes, violent crimes, and more.