Future of Minnesota Vikings linebacker cloudy after driving drunk

Erin Henderson, a linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, has been arrested for the second time on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. On Wednesday, Jan. 1, the football player was taken into custody after crashing his vehicle into trees near a parking lot in Chanhassen.

According to police reports, Henderson refused to take a sobriety test and now faces several charges for DWI as well as a charge for not taking the test. He also allegedly had drug paraphernalia and marijuana in his possession at the time of the arrest. The cash bail for the linebacker was set at $12,000. He was able to post bail and was released.

Only six weeks earlier, on Nov. 19, the pro footballer was charged with possession of a controlled substance as well as driving while drunk. After this arrest, he left the Vikings for a few days. However, the Vikings coach stated that the linebacker left the team for personal reasons that were not related to the arrest. When he eventually returned to the team, he did not start as middle linebacker until another player’s injury put him in the starting lineup for the Viking’s last regular season game.

Henderson stated that he is growing and learning as a person partly because of the mistakes he’s made. A statement released by the Vikings claimed that the team is aware of what’s happening with the player, but did not reveal whether or not he will be let go. While his future in football is unclear, the player might be able to stay with the Vikings depending on whether or not he is found guilty of the charges.

Source: espn.go.com, “Erin Henderson arrested again” Ben Goessling, Jan. 02, 2014

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.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
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

Can You Be Charged With Drug Possession if the Drugs Aren’t Yours in Minnesota?

You can be charged with drug possession if the drugs aren’t yours in Minnesota. This is one of the most misunderstood areas of criminal law. Many people assume that if they did not own or physically hold the drugs, they cannot be charged. In reality, Minnesota law allows prosecutors to pursue charges based on something called constructive possession.

What Happens if You Contact the Alleged Victim After Charges Are Filed in Minnesota?

If you contact the alleged victim after charges are filed in Minnesota, you may be putting your case, your freedom, and your future at risk. Once criminal charges are filed, courts often impose strict no-contact conditions, either through bail conditions, release orders, or protective orders. Violating those conditions can lead to additional criminal charges, even if your intent was harmless.

Accused of Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent in Minnesota? What to Know

Being accused of sharing intimate images without consent in Minnesota can have consequences that go far beyond the criminal justice system. These cases often involve allegations tied to digital communication, private relationships, and intent, which makes them both legally complex and highly sensitive.