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.  Stoffel was forced to walk in the street with her companions because the sidewalk was closed due to construction.

If you need an attorney to defend you against serious felony charges carrying a guidelines sentence of year in prison like this case, contact an experienced felony criminal defense attorney like Max A. Keller who has obtained felony sentencing departures in the past for his clients:  Call us now at (952) 913-1421

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.