Minnesota DWI crash suspect attempts mental illness defense

Many of us have never experienced a high-stress situation such as a car accident. At such times of shock and stress it’s hard to predict what someone might do.

One Minnesota defendant claims that mental incapacity following the DWI crash he caused led him to leave the scene. The Star Tribune reports that yesterday, the Minnesota jury didn’t buy that defense.

According to reports, the incident at the center of this criminal case took place back in 2006. The drunk driving suspect was reportedly carrying various passengers with him. Some of them sustained non life-threatening injuries. Another 18-year-old passenger died in the crash.

Ultimately, the now 24-year-old defendant was charged with multiple crimes in Minnesota, including criminal vehicular operation, third-degree murder and more. A week ago, a jury found him guilty of third-degree murder but he is yet to be sentenced for the crime.

Yesterday, the defendant reportedly appeared before the jury again as his defense attempted to argue away some of the severity of the crime. Specifically, the attorney suggested that it was dissociative amnesia and acute stress disorder that motivated the defendant to leave the scene and his injured passengers after the crash. Psychological experts testified to that point but failed to effectively convince the jury.

We will post an update to this case when more details about sentencing develop.

Source

Star Tribune: “Jury: Drunken driver was not mentally ill at time of crash,” 26 May 2011

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

You might need to know the long-term impacts of a 3rd degree DWI if you have been arrested or charged with driving while impaired (DWI) in Minneapolis, MN. A 3rd-degree DWI conviction can affect you personally, professionally, socially, and financially. A DWI conviction carries consequences, such as paying huge fines, loss of income, paying higher insurance premiums, strained relationships, and reputation damage. Your driver’s and professional license may be suspended or revoked after you are charged or convicted of a DWI. You may also face a civil lawsuit, which costs you money in the form of financial compensation to the accident victim.
One of the questions that people facing sex crime charges in Minnesota ask is: Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted? You will most likely be required to register as a sex offender if convicted of a sex crime. Factors that determine sex offender registration include the nature and severity of the offense, aggravating factors, civil commitment, and risk level. You must register as a sex offender if you are relocating to Minnesota for school, work, or to live and have been convicted of sex crimes elsewhere.
People facing drug crime charges who were victims of unlawful search or seizure may wonder, “What role does search and seizure law play in drug cases?” Under the Fourth Amendment, search and seizure law protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement officers. The Minnesota constitution provides similar protections.