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Alcohol Plus Accident with Injuries/Death Can Equal Major Felony

On Behalf of | Nov 23, 2011 | Firm News |

Recently, a man was charged and found guilty in a county near Minneapolis, Minnesota of 2 felony counts of Criminal Vehicular Homicide and Injury, along with felony DWI. The felony counts resulted from a motor vehicle accident that would otherwise have been an average Driving While Impaired/Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) incident. The defendant was involved in an accident where one of the occupants of the other vehicle was killed and another occupant suffered significant injuries. In this case the defendant is awaiting sentencing, but is facing significant prison time in connection with the multiple felony convictions.

Punishment in Minnesota forDWI/DUI can range from a Misdemeanor (up to 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine) to a Gross Misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and/or $3,000 fine) to a Felony (up to 7 years in prison and/or $14,000 fine). However, under Minnesota Statute 609.21, a person commits Criminal Vehicular Homicide and Injury when that person causes injury or death to another while operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more (Note that if a driver does not have an alcohol concentration of .08 or more, operating a motor vehicle in a negligent or grossly negligent manner may also be sufficient). In the state of Minnesota, the penalties for Criminal Vehicular Homicide and Injury can be up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000.

If you are involved in an accident that results in injuries and/or death and there is an accusation that you have a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more, the resulting charges can quickly escalate. It is important to fully understand the situation and your rights by talking with a Minneapolis Criminal Defense lawyer. If you have or believe you will be charge as a result of such an incident, please contact a Minneapolis Criminal Defense Attorney for assistance or a free consultation.