Child Endangerment Charges For Man Who Left Child In Car When He Was Drinking In A Bar

Christopher Jasperson was charged with child endangerment in Motevideo, Minnesota. He left his 2 year old child in his car when he was drinking in the bar. The car was running. Jasperson submitted to a preliminary breath test which purported a result of .23. The legal limit to drive in Minnesota is under a .08. Jasperson was taken into custody and the child was released to another family member. Jasperson may face up to three years in jail and/or a $3000 fine. Child is a serious charge and faces harsh penalties. Jasperson will need a criminal lawyer in Minnesota to help him with his case. Depending if witnesses come forward with statements, that Jasperson was driving, he could also be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (herein “DUI”).

What is a DUI in Minnesota?

There are four levels of DUI in Minnesota. Fourth, third, second, and first degree (felony DUI). DUI’s are an enhanceable offense. This means that a prior DUI will be used as an aggravating factor if you get another DUI in the future. There are other ways to get an enhancement such as if the alcohol is .20 or more or if there are children in the vehicle. Here, because Jasperson had his two year old child in his car and tested a .23, he could also be charged with second degree DUI. Jasperson has two aggravating factors in his case which could lead to the Gross Misdemeanor DUI charge. If Jasperson is charged with second degree DUI, he will also be looking at a forfeiture of his vehicle. Forfeiture means that the vehicle will be taken away and auctioned off if a petition is not filed with the court. A forfeiture petition must be filed within 60 days of the arrest, or else the forfeiture is deemed to have been waived. There is also a filing fee associated with a forfeiture petition. Contact Keller Law offices if you have been charged with a DUI and if you have a car that has been forfeited by the State. Max Keller has represented many individuals with their forfeiture cases in district court and in the court of appeals.

Child Endangerment in Minnesota

There are many different ways an individual can be charged with child endangerment. Minnesota Statute 609.378 states that “a parent, legal guardian, or caretaker who willfully deprives a child of necessary food, clothing, shelter, health care, or supervision appropriate to the child’s age, when the parent, guardian, or caretaker is reasonably able to make the necessary provisions and the deprivation harms or is likely to substantially harm the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health is guilty of neglect of a child and 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 also be sentenced to up to five years in prison and/or $10,000 fine if the deprivation results in substantial harm to the child.

Max Keller handles many alcohol related offenses and child endangerment cases in Minnesota. He is a criminal lawyer in Minnesota. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys offers free consultations for their clients. Max Keller has 17 years of experience as a criminal lawyer in Minnesota. Call 952-913-1421 to talk with a criminal lawyer. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys has two criminal lawyers licensed in Minnesota. Max Keller will fight for you and will meet with you with not cost up front. Payment plans are also offered on most cases. Please feel free to visit the firm’s website at www.kellerlawoffices.com. Max has handled cases in Chippewa County, Minnesota in the past. He is an experienced criminal lawyer in Minnesota and has handled cases similar to Jaspersons’s case.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

What Happens If You Get a DWI While Riding a Scooter or E-Bike in Minneapolis?

Minnesota DWI laws apply to all types of motorized vehicles using the road. So, you may get arrested and charged with DWI while riding a scooter or E-bike if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or more. The penalties for a DWI conviction may range from driver license suspension or revocation and fines to imprisonment. A conviction may also result in collateral consequences, including job loss and higher auto insurance premiums. A DWI lawyer can minimize the legal consequences or avoid them altogether. So, be sure to retain a lawyer immediately after you get arrested or charged for riding a scooter or e-bike while impaired.

Can a Criminal Record Impact New Charges in Minnesota?

People with prior convictions and facing new charges may wonder, “Can a criminal record impact new charges in Minnesota?” Having a criminal record can influence how the prosecution and court will handle your current charges. The court may deny your bail request or impose strict conditions. It may also impose harsh penalties. The prosecution, on the other hand, may be reluctant to give you a favorable plea deal if you have a prior conviction for a similar or related offense.