Driver Charged in Fatal Minneapolis Pedestrian Accident

The driver from a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred in Dinkytown, Minneapolis has been charged with criminal-vehicular operation and criminal-vehicular homicide for the death of a 23-year-old University of Minnesota student. The 23-year-old woman and her group of friends were walking home after going out. An allegedly drunken driver hit the young woman and a male friend as the group walked around a construction site.

The group of friends was on their way home after a night out and was walking home around 3:00 A.M. on Sunday October 24. The sidewalk the group was walking on was closed because of a construction project and the group decided to walk along the edge of road near the site. With their backs to oncoming traffic, the 23-year-old woman and her 25-year-old male friend were struck by an oncoming driver who was allegedly drunk. A witness to the accident said the car had been traveling too fast. The driver of the car slammed on the brakes, skidded and continued to slide as the car hit the pedestrians.

A member of the group who had been walking a few steps ahead of the woman said she saw a body fly and that the 23-year-old woman and 25-year-old man were knocked out by the impact. The 25-year-old man regained consciousness but the young woman was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center and was placed on life support. She died at the hospital the next day.

The area where the accident occurred is near a new student housing construction project. The project blocks a portion of the sidewalk and the right lane that runs along the blocked sidewalk is supposed to be closed to traffic. Many drivers in the area ignore the closed traffic sign.

Source: Star Tribune, “Driver Charged in U Student’s Death,” Matt McKinney, 10/28/10

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

The timeline for filing pre-trial motions in a criminal case in Minnesota varies with the type of motion. A motion related to the discovery of evidence or dismissal of a criminal case must be filed at least three days before the Omnibus Hearing. The prosecution is then allowed to respond to the motions, and the court sets the timeline for these responses.
Knowing the tips for interacting with law enforcement as a suspect in Minnesota can keep you from saying or doing something that incriminates you. These tips include understanding your rights while interacting with law enforcement, knowing how to handle search and seizure, and seeking the early intervention of a criminal defense lawyer. You should apply these tips when you are stopped for questioning, a suspect in a criminal investigation, pulled over in a car, and during arrest, arrest processing, and custody.
You may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer even if you have not been charged. A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights when law enforcement officers are investigating you for a crime. Without a lawyer, you might say something that could be incriminating or misconstrued. Your lawyer can engage with the police or the prosecutors and provide evidence that prevents them from filing formal charges. Your lawyer can also go through your case and prepare a defense strategy if there is a possibility of you getting charged.