The open road is anything but predictable and safe, especially during Minnesota winters when driving conditions become extreme and perilous. If you are involved in an accident, you most likely will not face serious criminal charges — unless you have been consuming any amount of alcohol or controlled substances.
Brent S. Schafer, a reputable Minnesota criminal defense attorney with an office location in Savage, has more than 23 years of experience and has tried dozens of jury trials to verdict, as well as attended several hundred court trials and contest motion hearings with favorable outcomes.
He has spent his career inside the courtroom and is a proven, determined litigator defending clients charged with bodily harm and homicide as a result of a controlled substance, DWI, or alcohol-related accident.
Minnesota laws harshly penalize people who cause accidents while driving under the influence of drugs, controlled substances and/or alcohol. Lengthy prison sentences are required for those who drive while impaired and cause an accident resulting in death. Although these offenses are not intentional, the police and prosecutors often treat the offenders as hardened criminals and prosecute each of them to the fullest extent of the law.
In Minnesota, 10 separate acts could result in you being charged with a criminal vehicular offense. The level of offense is determined by the extent of injury caused by the driving conduct. The penalties range from a gross misdemeanor to a felony. Minnesota has four penalty levels for vehicular crimes:
A person charged with criminal vehicular operation and causes the death of a human or of an unborn child may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 10 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $20,000, or both.
A person charged with criminal vehicular operation that causes great bodily harm to another person or to an unborn child may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.
A person charged with criminal vehicular operation that causes substantial bodily harm to another person may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.
A person who violates subdivision 1 and causes bodily harm to another may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.
A person can be charged with criminal vehicular operation even if the only person injured is a passenger in that person’s vehicle. In addition to lengthy jail sentences, fines and restitution for damages, a conviction for this can carry up to a 10-year loss of driving privileges. Furthermore, if someone dies, you may be charged with vehicular homicide. Brent S. Schafer provides immediate and experienced counsel to clients charged with any type of vehicular homicide offense. He thoroughly understands the complexities of how Minnesota classifies various homicide offenses and can build the best defense on your behalf.
Contact Brent Schafer today by phone or message for a free case evaluation and learn what makes us preferred among drunk driving lawyers in Lakeville, MN.
When someone is accused of criminal vehicular operation, their future, freedom, and reputation are all at stake. These cases are far more complex than typical DUI or DWI charges because they often involve serious injuries or fatalities. A seasoned drunk driving lawyer in Shakopee, MN understands that every case involves two sides — and that mistakes, weather conditions, or unforeseen events can often play a major role in what occurred. The Schafer Law Firm, P.A. provides strong representation and strategic defense for clients throughout Minnesota who have been charged with criminal vehicular operation.
In many cases, law enforcement will assume impairment simply because alcohol or drugs were present in the driver’s system. However, that does not always mean the individual was legally impaired at the time of the crash. The role of a skilled drunk driving lawyer in Shakopee, MN is to challenge every assumption, investigate every piece of evidence, and expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s claims. Attorney Brent S. Schafer has built a reputation for his thorough preparation and courtroom tenacity, ensuring that his clients are never treated unfairly or prematurely judged.
Criminal vehicular operation charges can stem from various circumstances — driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, or operating a vehicle in a negligent or reckless manner. These offenses are aggressively prosecuted in Minnesota because they often result in catastrophic injuries or loss of life. Individuals charged with such crimes face not only harsh penalties but also lifelong social and professional consequences if convicted.
By consulting with experienced drunk driving lawyers in Lakeville, MN, defendants can take control of their case early on. An attorney’s quick response is critical for preserving key evidence such as accident scene photos, witness statements, and vehicle data. The Schafer Law Firm, P.A. uses this information to create a factual and compelling defense that can make a meaningful difference in the outcome. Each step is taken with care, precision, and a full understanding of Minnesota’s criminal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
Prosecutors rely heavily on forensic and chemical test evidence to prove impairment. A dedicated drunk driving lawyer in Shakopee, MN knows how to identify and challenge errors in testing procedures, police reports, and witness statements. Breathalyzer and blood test results can be flawed if proper protocol was not followed, and even minor errors in handling evidence can lead to false readings. Drunk driving lawyers in Lakeville, MN meticulously review every aspect of the case to ensure that your constitutional rights were not violated at any point in the investigation or arrest process.
In addition, a drunk driving lawyer in Shakopee, MN recognizes that no two criminal vehicular operation cases are the same. The firm tailors each defense strategy to the specific facts at hand, working closely with accident reconstruction experts, toxicologists, and investigators. This comprehensive approach is one reason the firm remains a respected choice among drunk driving lawyers in Lakeville, MN.
Convictions for criminal vehicular operation can result in extended prison sentences, large fines, and the loss of driving privileges for many years. These consequences can make it nearly impossible to maintain employment or meet family obligations. A skilled drunk driving lawyer in Shakopee, MN works to mitigate these outcomes by negotiating reduced charges, advocating for alternative sentencing options, or seeking case dismissals when possible. The Schafer Law Firm is committed to securing the best possible result for every client, whether through negotiation or trial.
Clients who partner with experienced drunk driving lawyers in Lakeville, MN benefit from having a legal advocate who understands not just the law, but also the emotional toll of these charges. Our drunk driving lawyers in Lakeville, MN provide compassionate, straightforward communication throughout the process, helping clients and their families make informed decisions at every stage. Their dedication to personalized service ensures that clients never feel alone in their defense.
