Prosecutors do not always bring criminal charges in the immediate aftermath of an alleged event. Some cases may sit for a period of time while authorities seek more evidence and analyze the information that law enforcement has gathered. A person who may be suspected of a crime does not necessarily have to wait to seek the advice and representation of legal counsel until formal charges are filed.
Authorities in Washington County have filed criminal charges against a St. Paul man related to a car accident, which was reported almost one year ago. The crash reportedly left two women seriously injured. The wreck was reported August 28 of last year on Highway 5 in Lake Elmo.
Washington County officials filed charges, including a string of felony-level offenses earlier this week against the St. Paul man. He is accused of drunk driving in the injury accident. Police claim that the man had Methadone in his system at the time of the crash, in addition to alcohol. Prosecutors say that the man measured 0.08 percent blood alcohol concentration in a test taken two hours after the car accident.
Often, when people are charged with a felony related to a drunk driving incident, it may involve allegations of a repeat DWI offender. However, the Minnesota Criminal Vehicular and Injury statute may kick in if authorities believe that a person was under the influence at the time of an injury crash. The criminal vehicular operation laws can bring harsh consequences if a person is ultimately convicted of the offense.
In the Washington County case, authorities have brought six counts of felony-level charges under the CVO statute, including counts alleging driving under the influence of a controlled substance leading to an injury accident and other counts involving allegations of alcohol. He also faces allegations of DWI.
Source: Stillwater Gazette, “7 felony charges filed in 2012 Lake Elmo car accident,” Aug. 26, 2013
