What To Do If I’m Charged With Criminal Vehicular Operation in Minnesota – Thoughts from Jack Rice Defense
While many traffic accidents result in nothing more than a citation, there are situations where a driver may face serious criminal charges if their actions cause injury or death to another person. If you’ve been accused of Criminal Vehicular Operation (CVO), you’re looking at felony or gross misdemeanor charges that carry severe legal consequences. These charges come with the potential for significant prison time, fines, and lasting collateral consequences, such as the loss of your driver’s license.
If you’re facing CVO charges in Minnesota, it’s essential to consult with an experienced Minnesota criminal vehicular operation attorney right away. An attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, protect your rights, and guide you through the collateral consequences, including the loss of your driver’s license. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a confidential consultation.
“A Criminal Vehicular Operation charge, sometimes called a CVO, can have potentially huge ramifications. This is true even if this is a first offense.”
Criminal Penalties for Criminal Vehicular Operation
The severity of the charges and penalties in a Criminal Vehicular Operation case depends on the nature and extent of the injuries caused by the accident:
Criminal Vehicular Homicide: If the accident results in death (including the death of an unborn child), it is charged as a felony with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000. Under Minnesota’s sentencing guidelines, a minimum of 48 months in prison is presumptive for such cases.
Great Bodily Harm: If the victim suffers great bodily harm, the charge is still a felony, carrying a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.
Substantial Bodily Harm: If the victim sustains substantial bodily harm, the charge is a felony with a maximum penalty of 3 years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.
Bodily Harm: If the victim sustains bodily harm, the charge is a gross misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of up to 365 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000.
Collateral Consequences of Criminal Vehicular Operation
In addition to the criminal penalties, a Criminal Vehicular Operation conviction can result in serious collateral consequences. One of the most significant is the loss of your driver’s license. Depending on the specific charges and whether you have prior DWI convictions, your driving privileges can be revoked for up to 10 years. Even in the case of a first offense, you may face at least two years of license revocation.
An experienced Minnesota criminal vehicular operation attorney can help limit the consequences of your case, including potentially securing a restricted or limited license during the revocation period.
Other collateral consequences may include:
Vehicle Forfeiture: Law enforcement may seize your vehicle.
Restitution: You may be ordered to compensate the victim for damages.
Loss of Rights: You may lose your right to vote, possess firearms, or hold certain professional licenses.
Employment Challenges: A conviction can make it difficult to secure future employment or housing, especially in roles that require a clean driving record.
Why Choose Jack Rice Defense?
At Jack Rice Defense, we have been helping clients fight criminal vehicular operation charges for decades. Since the 1990s, we’ve built a reputation for aggressive, effective defense and exceptional client care. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing the guidance and support you need during one of the most challenging times of your life.
We understand the severe penalties you face and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize the consequences of your case. When your future is on the line, you need a lawyer who is not only experienced but also passionate about defending you.
Contact Jack Rice Defense today for a free, confidential consultation. Call us at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. When your freedom and future are at risk, make sure you have the right team by your side.
Jack Rice Defense – Your trusted partner in criminal defense.