Category: Criminal Defense

Driver Sentenced to 4 years for Criminal Vehicular Homicide (CVH)

Recently, Hennepin County District Court Judge Mark Wernick sentenced a driver to four years in prison for Criminal Vehicular Homicide, even though it was dark and rainy out at the time the driver accidentally struck a pedestrian. John R. Peterson, the 23 year old driver, was convicted of Criminal Vehicular Homicide for accidentally running over Kandyce Stoffel. The victim was also 23 at the time, and was walking in the road in Dinkytown, a section of Minneapolis, Minnesota near the University of Minnesota, at the time of the crash.

Minnesota driver with 20 DWIs still not convicted of felony

A recent Minnesota criminal case opens up an opportunity for us to discuss drunk driving laws throughout Hennepin County and the rest of the state. Specifically, we’d like to explain what it takes to turn a DWI charge into felony status.

How parents can prevent underage drinking problems

There are various theories that swirl around when it comes to teaching kids the rights and wrongs about alcohol use. According to a Minnesota study, it seems like at least one popular theory can be ruled out.

Woman charged for allegedly attacking Minneapolis candidate

An 18-year-old woman is facing aggravated robbery and assault charges after allegedly attacking a man who was once a candidate for mayor of Minneapolis. The incident occurred at the Mall of America on Dec. 26, 2013. The Brooklyn Park woman is facing a possible 20-year prison sentence for each of the three felony counts, as well as a fine of $35,000.

Minnesota man facing felony charges related to terrorism

A man from the eastern Minnesota city of Braham is facing 21 felony charges related to several incidents that occurred over the past two years. The felonies are related to weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. It is thought that the incidents in question are related to the man’s divorce from his wife.

Minnesota man and woman face stiff drug charges

A Brainerd man and woman are facing prison time of up to 30 years after being charged with possessing and selling drugs. A search warrant for a property on Wise Road led to the discovery of around 15 grams of methamphetamine in addition to a large amount of cash. That quantity of meth is estimated to be worth about $2,000. A district court in Crow Wing also brought several other felony charges against the man, including several counts of fifth-degree drug possession and selling a marijuana-type mixture.

Young Minnesota man pleads guilty to stealing plane

An 18-year-old man from Thief River Falls has been accused of stealing a Cessna 150 and taking it on several joyrides. The man faces a felony conviction for motor vehicle theft, as well as a misdemeanor charge for using an aircraft without authorization. The teen does not have a pilot’s license, but he was able to fly the single-engine plane to different cities in northern Minnesota and North Dakota. The stolen aircraft belongs to an Air Force major that is currently stationed in Afghanistan.

Twin Cities police departments using social media to fight crime

In an era of smartphones and social media accounts, nearly any person is able to say what is on his or her mind at any time. They can tweet or post status updates while they are out with friends, or when they are waiting in line at the grocery store. People are seemingly always connected, and always willing to share their experiences online.

Defense presents arguments in Wright vehicular homicide case

The second half of a pre-trial hearing has begun for the case involving a 27-year-old woman accused of killing two Carlton county highway department employees while driving under the influence of a controlled substance. The woman is being charged with two counts of vehicular homicide.