Vehicular Crimes Defense Attorneys in Minneapolis

What Are Vehicular Crimes? 

Vehicular crimes encompass a wide range of offenses that involve illegal activities committed with a motor vehicle. These crimes range in severity depending on factors such as the outcome of the incident and whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Common vehicular crimes in Minneapolis include: 

• Vehicular Homicide: A driver may be charged with vehicular homicide if they cause the death of another person through reckless driving or while driving under the influence. This is one of the most severe vehicular crime charges, carrying significant penalties including long prison sentences. 
• Vehicular Manslaughter: When a driver unintentionally causes death through negligence or a violation of traffic laws, vehicular manslaughter charges can apply. The difference from vehicular homicide often comes down to intent, but penalties can still include imprisonment and large fines. 
• Hit-and-Run: Fleeing the scene of an accident, whether or not injuries occur, is a serious crime. The charges can escalate from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the extent of the damage or harm caused, especially if someone was injured or killed. 
• Reckless or Careless Driving: Reckless driving involves willful disregard for the safety of others, while careless driving refers to operating a vehicle without reasonable caution. These charges can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the circumstances. 
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs crime is one of the most common vehicular crimes. Minneapolis takes DUI/DWI offenses seriously, and penalties increase with prior convictions or if the incident involved injuries or fatalities. 
• Fleeing Law Enforcement: Trying to escape law enforcement during a traffic stop or while fleeing an accident is a serious crime that can result in felony charges. If injuries or deaths occur during the attempt, the penalties can be severe. 

The Importance of Working with a Vehicular Crimes Defense Attorney

When facing vehicular crime charges, having a knowledgeable defense attorney on your side is crucial. The legal process can be overwhelming, especially with the complexities involved in these types of cases. An experienced attorney can guide you through each step, helping you understand your rights and developing a defense strategy tailored to your situation. 

Working with a defense attorney is essential for several reasons. First, vehicular crimes involve a variety of complex legal issues, such as accident reconstruction, the interpretation of traffic laws, and intoxication testing. A skilled attorney knows how to navigate these complexities and use them to your advantage. 

Law enforcement must follow strict procedures when arresting or investigating someone for a vehicular crime. If any of your rights were violated, such as through an unlawful search or arrest, your attorney can challenge the evidence against you and potentially have the charges reduced or dismissed. 

Every case is different, and your defense will depend on the specific facts of your situation. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and work with experts such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals to build a compelling defense. In many cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors, reducing your charges or securing alternative sentencing such as probation or community service. This can significantly reduce the severity of the penalties you face. 

Possible Defenses for Vehicular Crimes 

There are several defenses that can be raised in vehicular crime cases, depending on the circumstances. Some common defenses include: 

• Lack of Intent: Many vehicular crime charges hinge on the driver’s intent. If the prosecution cannot prove that you acted with willful negligence or intent to harm, your charges may be reduced or dismissed. 
• Accident Reconstruction: In cases involving accidents or fatalities, accident reconstruction experts can provide valuable insight into what really happened. This can be crucial in showing that the incident was not your fault or that other factors, such as road conditions, contributed to the accident. 
• Challenging Evidence: If law enforcement violated your rights during the arrest or investigation, any evidence obtained illegally can be challenged in court. This includes challenging the legality of a traffic stop or questioning the accuracy of field sobriety or breathalyzer tests. 
• Self-Defense: In rare cases, a driver may have acted in self-defense or out of necessity, such as fleeing a dangerous situation or avoiding immediate harm.