Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

Richfield man accused of felony CVO in Bloomington

The Minnesota State Patrol says that troopers responded to a rollover car accident at the Interstate 494 and I-35W interchange Saturday night. It is not clear from media reports what occurred to cause the rollover, nor are there any details about the potential accident victims. While troopers were on the scene of the crash, authorities claim that a 39-year-old Richfield man sideswiped one squad car before crashing into the rear-end of a second squad.

A trooper in the second squad suffered injuries, according to the state patrol. That trooper was later treated and released from an area hospital. However, authorities say that the man who is accused of failing to properly navigate around an accident scene was impaired when he drove through the accident scene. Authorities say that a 20-year-old passenger and two children were riding as passengers in the Richfield man’s car. Nobody was seriously injured.

Troopers claim that the Richfield man appeared unsteady on his feet after the accident, and allegedly showed signs of impairment. Officials have not released many other details about Saturday’s alleged incident in Bloomington, other than the law enforcement believes the driver was over the legal limit to drive.

The Richfield man was arrested on suspicion of felony criminal vehicular operation.

Generally, criminal vehicular operation charges are not technically placed within the driving while impaired statute. But a CVH or CVO conviction involving alcohol or other substances can be used to enhance future DWI charges to the felony level.

A person does not necessarily have to be impaired to face a criminal vehicular homicide or injury charge. The CVH and CVO law allows prosecutors to seek the charges based upon allegations that a driver caused an accident involving injury or death based upon either gross negligence in driving, or negligence in driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other specified substances.

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune, “Man who hit state trooper’s squad remains in jail,” David Chanen, Jan. 27, 2013

  • Our firm represents individuals charged with DWI in Minnesota, including alcohol or substance related CVH and CVO charges. For more information, please visit the Minneapolis felony DWI defense page.
Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

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

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.