Serious traffic accidents that result in injury or loss of life can lead to felony-level criminal charges. In Minnesota, prosecutors may file charges of criminal vehicular operation (CVO) or criminal vehicular homicide (CVH) after incidents involving intoxicated driving, high speeds, or distracted behavior behind the wheel. These cases often involve technical evidence, intense emotional impact, and public attention—especially when fatalities occur.
The legal and personal consequences of a criminal vehicular offense are significant—and these are the types of high-stakes cases Brandt Kettwick Defense is known for. With decades of experience handling criminal vehicular charges in Minnesota, our team provides strategic representation and straightforward advice focused on protecting your long-term future. Contact us today for a consultation.
Criminal vehicular operation applies when someone causes bodily harm to another person while operating a motor vehicle under specific circumstances. These include driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving a vehicle with known dangerous defects. It also includes operating a vehicle “in a grossly negligent manner,” which includes engaging in distracted or reckless driving, like texting and driving.
Minnesota law classifies CVO based on how severe the injuries were:
Prosecutors must prove that the driver’s conduct was a direct cause of the victim’s injuries. Simply being involved in an accident is not enough.
Criminal vehicular homicide happens when a person causes the death of another while operating a vehicle in a manner outlined under the statute. Like CVO, this includes driving while intoxicated, fleeing the scene, driving with known safety hazards, or engaging in other grossly negligent or reckless behavior.
Criminal vehicular homicide is a serious felony, sometimes punishable by many years in prison with a significant loss of driving privileges (§ 609.2112). Prosecutors must prove that the death resulted from the defendant’s unlawful or negligent driving. They also must prove that the defendant was a substantial factor in causing the fatality. Defenses can hinge on challenging the state’s evidence of intoxication, negligence, or direct causation.
While CVH and CVO are similar, related charges, the legal consequences and public scrutiny surrounding fatal crashes are often more severe. These charges require early and strategic legal intervention from a skilled attorney at Brandt Kettwick Defense.
It’s no secret that the legal penalties for criminal vehicular operation or homicide are serious. Prison time, fines, and long-term license revocation are all on the table—and judges can impose even harsher consequences when the case involves multiple victims or aggravating factors. But for many people, it’s the collateral consequences that feel the most overwhelming.
Over the years, we’ve sat across the table from people who are terrified about what a conviction could mean for their future. They’ve asked what will happen to their jobs, their driver’s license, or their ability to care for their families. We’ve listened to those concerns—because they matter. These cases are not just legal problems; they are deeply personal turning points in people’s lives.
While the legal process can feel uncertain, early legal intervention can help shape a more stable path forward. At Brandt Kettwick Defense, we provide realistic guidance, clear communication, and a strong legal team that’s committed to protecting what matters most.
No two criminal vehicular cases are the same. The evidence, circumstances, and personal impact vary widely—from professionals worried about their licensure to families concerned about a teenager’s future. At Brandt Kettwick Defense, we take the time to understand the full context of each case and develop a strategy that reflects both the legal landscape and the individual’s priorities.
As with all criminal cases, the state bears the burden of proof. That means the prosecution must establish specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt—including causation and the nature of the alleged conduct. We closely examine each of those elements. Some of the defense strategies we’ve used include:
Criminal vehicular cases are often technical and emotionally charged, and the pressure from investigators, the media, or licensing boards can be intense. Whether someone is facing the possibility of a felony conviction or simply trying to protect their reputation and future, a thoughtful and experienced defense can make a meaningful difference.
At Brandt Kettwick Defense, we offer that depth of experience—and a legal team that’s ready to meet each case with care, strategy, and discretion.
With over 80 years of combined trial experience, the attorneys at Brandt Kettwick Defense have built a reputation for professionalism, honesty, and results. This is a firm trusted by many —several of whom refer clients here because they know those individuals will be treated with fairness, clarity, and respect.
Our team includes true trial lawyers. Between them, our attorneys have tried more than 200 trials—bringing decades of courtroom insight to every case. We’re not here to make empty promises or sell a polished narrative. We’re here to do the real work, explain the risks and options clearly, and help clients make informed decisions in high-stakes situations.
At Brandt Kettwick Defense, we sit down with every client and take the time to understand what this case means to them—not just in legal terms, but in terms of family, work, and reputation. People often walk into our office feeling anxious and uncertain. We’ve heard again and again that what they remember most is feeling heard, supported, and secure.
Our clients come to us through referrals and word of mouth—because they trust our judgment, our candor, and our ability to guide them through a difficult time with integrity. If you’re facing criminal vehicular charges and looking for experienced, strategic representation grounded in professionalism and compassion, Brandt Kettwick Defense is prepared to help.
Being arrested for criminal vehicular operation or homicide is a deeply unsettling experience. In the days that follow, people often feel pressure to explain themselves or clarify what happened. But the early days of a case can be critical, and decisions made during this time can have lasting consequences.
If an arrest has occurred, the most important step is to protect your rights. Stay calm. Avoid answering questions or offering explanations, even if your intentions are good. Statements made to law enforcement, insurance representatives, or even loved ones can be misinterpreted or used later as evidence—often in ways that were never intended. Get a lawyer involved to help guide you before talking about the case.
It’s also wise to avoid posting anything on social media or discussing the incident with anyone other than legal counsel. Conversations may be recorded or summarized in reports, and seemingly minor comments can complicate your defense down the line.
Instead, focus on securing experienced legal representation. An attorney can help preserve key evidence, assess the legal landscape, and begin developing a defense strategy tailored to the facts of the case. At Brandt Kettwick Defense, we’ve guided people through some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives. Our approach is steady, honest, and grounded in decades of experience.
Whether your case involves injury or death, the legal process is complex. A strong defense requires experienced counsel who understands the law and the local courts. Don’t face criminal vehicular operation or homicide charges alone. Reach out to the attorneys at Brandt Kettwick Defense to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
