Criminal Vehicular Operation (CVO)
There is some driving conduct that has been criminalized in Minnesota, such as that which causes bodily harm. However, bodily injury that is caused by typical negligent driving and automobile accidents are not always criminalized. Some kind of negligent act or other element must exist in order for a person to be charged with criminal vehicular operation (CVO).
If you have been charged with CVO, it is important for you to secure the representation of an experienced and skilled Minneapolis criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you make the call, the sooner work can begin on your case with the goal of obtaining the best possible result for you.
Expert Criminal Defense
In order for a person to be charged with CVO, one of the following circumstances may exist:
- The vehicle was being operated in a grossly negligent manner
- The vehicle was being driven in a grossly negligent manner while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a combination of both.
- DWI
- Having a blood alcohol content lf .08 or higher within two hours of the DWI arrest
- Driving in a negligent manner while under the influence of a controlled substance other than THC or marijuana
- Driving in a negligent manner while knowingly under the influence of a substance that impairs motor function
- Leaving the scene of an accident when there is obvious bodily injury to another person
- When notice is not given by the driver to the police after learning that they were at fault for or involved in an accident that caused injury
- When a driver is driving a vehicle that has been previously issued a citation for a defect has not repaired that vehicle and an accident occurs, thus being involved in an injury that causes bodily harm
How severe the victim’s injuries are also determine if the charge is a felony or a gross misdemeanor.
Aggressively Fighting CVO Charges
If charged with a felony, it is because there was substantial bodily harm to the victim. However a victim can also suffer great bodily harm, which is greater than substantial bodily harm. The penalty can be up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines. A gross misdemeanor is charged with there is bodily harm or some injury that is less than substantial bodily harm. The penalty may be up to a year in jail and a fine of $10,000.
Your Hennepin County criminal defense lawyer will aggressively fight the charges. Sometimes proving the true nature of the victim’s injuries is enough to secure a much better result in the case. That is why you should have an attorney by your side every step of the way instead of facing the charges on your own.
Contact A Golden Valley Criminal Defense Attorney
Hit and run, reckless driving causing injury, and driving in some kind of negligent way are just some of the reasons why a person can be charged with criminal vehicular operation. If you have been charged with CVO, a criminal defense attorney can help you defend yourself and fight for your rights. To learn more about the defense options available to you, call the Barry Hogen Law at (612) 338-5545 to schedule an initial consultation.