Criminal Vehicular Operation (CVO)
What is criminal vehicular operation (CVO)? The state of Minnesota defines a CVO crime as causing an accident while operating a motor vehicle in a reckless matter or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you are accused of a criminal vehicular operation crime, then you could be looking at more than just a license suspension and a slap on the wrist. Almost all CVO crimes are considered felony offenses and come with a long term prison sentence, hefty fines and restitution to the victim if convicted.
Regardless of the result of the accident, you could be charged with a CVO crime if you are found to have caused harm while operating a motor vehicle in the following conditions:
- In a grossly negligent manner (reckless driving)
- While under the influence of drugs or alcohol. (DWI law). It is against the law to drive with any amount of illegal drug in your system and with a blood alcohol content level of .08. If you do choose to drink and drive and you are in an accident, then you could be looking at criminal vehicular operation charges.
- Where the driver who causes the accident leaves the scene in violation of Minnesota’s felony fleeing law (hit and run)
A Minneapolis DWI lawyer will be able to assess your situation, determine your options for defense and ensure that your legal rights are protected before, during and after the court process.
Under the state of Minnesota there are six different classifications that constitute a CVO offense. These include:
Criminal vehicular homicide – reckless or negligent driving that causes death but does not constitute murder or manslaughter
Great bodily harm – reckless or negligent driving that causes serious permanent injury such as paralysis or brain damage to the victim
Substantial bodily harm – reckless or negligent driving that causes temporary substantial injury
Death of an unborn child – reckless or negligent driving that result in the serious injury of a pregnant women and results in the death of her child. Even if the mother is physically fine but the trauma causes her to lose her baby, you could still be looking at a CVO offense.
Injury to an unborn child – reckless or negligent driving that results in a serious injury to a pregnant women and her unborn child. Even if the mother is physically fine, the trauma and impact of the accident could still harm the unborn child.
Bodily harm – reckless or negligent driving that result in any pain or injury to the victim. If the injury is minor, then you could get be looking at CVO- bodily harm which is considered a gross misdemeanor. All other CVO crimes are felony offenses.
If you are found guilty of a CVO crime, you are looking at a jail sentence of 48 months where the offender has no other criminal history points. You could also be looking at license revocation and a permanent black mark on your criminal record.
Contact Top-Rated Minneapolis DWI Lawyer, Barry Hogen Today!
Minneapolis criminal lawyer, Barry Hogen has years of experience in CVO and DWI cases and can provide you with the legal services you need during this difficult time. For affordable payment options, aggressive representation and confidential legal advice when you need it most, contact Minnesota criminal lawyer, Barry Hogen today at (763) 513-9085.