Woman Sentenced for Criminal Vehicular Homicide (CVO or CVH) for Texting Causing Death

Last week, for a Waseca County Criminal Vehicular Homicide ((CVO or CVH) woman was sentenced to 480 hours of community service and ten years of probation. She was charged with CVH because she caused the death of a driver of another vehicle while texting and speeding. She also also had several previous traffic citiatons for speeding and other offenses, and got another speeding ticket while this case was pending.

Under Minnesota Impaired Driving Laws, Criminal Vehicular Homicide or Injury (CVO or CVH) requires a finding of Gross Negligence OR simple negligence WHILE driving impaired or at .08 or more alcohol concentration.  Under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines, the presumptive Sentence for CVH or causing a death while DWI is 48 months (4 years) for a driver with no prior felony convictions. Many persons have been charged with CVH who not only have no felony convictions, but who have never even gotten a DWI before like Amy Senser.  In order to avoid a 4 year Prison Sentence, if you are charged with injurying or killing someone while driving drunk or distracted (like texting while driving), then you need an experienced Minnesota Felony Criminal Vehicular Operation Attorney now.

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

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.
One question that may linger on your mind upon discovering you are under drug crime investigation is: “What should I do if I’m arrested on drug charges?” The first thing you should do if you’re arrested on drug charges in Minneapolis is stay calm and cooperative. Then, document the arrest while the event is still fresh in your mind. Next, hire a lawyer who has built a successful practice around helping criminal defendants facing drug related charges.
If you are facing a sex crime charge or suspect the police are investigating you, you might wonder: “Can I be charged with a sex crime if the other party consents?” While you might have consensual sex with someone, sex crime charges can still be filed against you in Minnesota. Legal concerns, such as the complainant’s age, mental capacity, and legal authority, are usually considered during court proceedings for sex crime cases. All those issues can impact your case.