Criminal Vehicular Operation
Criminal Vehicular Operation in Minnesota
Criminal Vehicular Operation (CVO) is a serious charge in Minnesota, carrying significant penalties, including jail time, heavy fines, and long-term consequences for your driving record and criminal history. If you or a loved one is facing a CVO charge, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is important.
What is Criminal Vehicular Operation?
Under Minnesota Statue 609.2113, Criminal Vehicular Operation is charged when a driver causes bodily harm to another person under specific negligent or unlawful circumstances, including:
- Grossly negligent driving
- Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more
- Operating a vehicle while knowingly under the influence of a hazardous substance
- Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury
- Driving a vehicle with known mechanical defects that cause injury
Unlike a standard DUI/DWI, CVO charges are tied to injuries caused by the driver’s actions. This means even a first-time offense could result in felony charges, depending on the severity of harm caused.
Degrees of Criminal Vehicular Operation & Penalties
CVO charges vary based on the level of injury caused:
- Bodily Harm: Misdemeanor offense; punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
- Substantial Bodily Harm: Felony offense; punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
- Great Bodily Harm: Felony offense; punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
Because these charges involve injury, prosecutors often push for harsh penalties. A conviction can result in the loss of driving privileges, increased insurance costs, and difficulties with employment and housing.
Criminal Vehicular Operation vs. DUI in Minnesota
Many people confuse CVO with Driving Under the Influence (DUI). While both offenses involve impaired driving, a DUI is a charge for driving while intoxicated, whether or not an accident occurs. CVO, on the other hand, is only charged when an injury results from negligent or
impaired driving.
A DUI can escalate into a CVO charge if another person is harmed, significantly increasing the penalties.
Legal Defenses for Criminal Vehicular Operation Charges
If you have been charged with CVO, it’s critical to have a strong defense. Possible defenses may include:
- Challenging the evidence of impairment: Faulty breath or blood test results can lead to an improper charge.
- Disputing negligence: Prosecutors must prove that gross negligence or impairment directly caused the injury.
- Proving alternate causes: Other factors, such as another driver’s actions or hazardous road conditions, could have contributed to the accident.
Each case is unique, and a thorough investigation is needed to challenge the prosecution’s claims.
Why choose Shek Law for Your Defense?
A Criminal Vehicular Operation charge is not something to take lightly. The legal consequences can impact your freedom, finances, and future. At Shek Law, we understand how overwhelming these charges can be, and we are dedicated to building a strong defense for you.
With extensive experience in criminal defense, our team will analyze the details of your case, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact Shek Law Today
If you are facing a Criminal Vehicular Operation charge in Minnesota, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Shek Lawk today for a consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and work aggressively to protect your rights.