Vehicular Crimes Attorneys
Get the legal representation you need
If you have been charged with vehicular homicide or another type of vehicle crime, you face a harsh sentence if found guilty. Whether your case involves drunk driving, negligence or manslaughter, take decisive and positive action. It is critical that you find an experienced attorney to represent you and help you retain your legal rights.
Call 651-455-1555 today to schedule a comprehensive consultation at no charge to you. We will listen to your story carefully and help you determine an appropriate course of action.
Defense strategies for vehicular crimes
There are several defense strategies to pursue in such cases. In such cases, we have proven a client was not at fault for vehicular homicide or manslaughter, such as a situation where a pedestrian walked out in front of a moving vehicle. Or, if prosecution’s case hinges on alcohol or drug tests, we will work to invalidate those results. Whatever your situation, we will build a case entirely based on the details of your particular story.
If you face serious criminal charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Types of vehicular crime charges
We can provide legal counsel in cases that involve:
Frequently Asked Questions
A preliminary breath test or PBT is a test that is used to determine if a driver is under the influence of alcohol prior to arrest. If a driver blows .08 or greater, they will be arrested. Law enforcement needs at least reasonable, articulable suspicion to request that a driver submit to a PBT. The PBT result cannot be used against the driver at trial. Learn more.
In every criminal case, you have the right to an attorney during the court process, but in DWIs there is an additional point where the officer must allow you to speak with an attorney. Learn more.
Having an attorney on your side can be of great benefit in a DWI case. Your charges could be reduced or thrown out entirely. Learn more
Additionally, you have a right to speak with an attorney before taking the breath test. See article
What to do if you have been stopped for a DWI in Minnesota
If you have been drinking and driving you have a various rights related to DWI, or any other traffic offense in Minnesota. These Do’s and Don’ts will apply if you have been drinking, and believe that it is likely that if you take a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) you will fail.
DO… Limit your speech to only the required information that you must provide the officer. Have your license and proof of insurance ready before the officer arrives at your window. Also, be prepared to provide the officer with your name, address, date of birth, etc… Remember to be respectful, being a jerk to the officer is only going to make the experience worse for you.
DON’T… Answer any further questions from the officer about why you were stopped or if you have been drinking. Minnesota Courts have consistently said that blood shot eyes, slurred speech, and any admission that you had even a single drink is enough for an officer to begin Field Sobriety Tests. In any event its best to just stay quiet to keep from incriminating yourself. Remember be respectful at all times.
DO… Obey all reasonable commands from the officer. After refusing to answer the officer’s questions he will probably ask you to exit your vehicle. Listen to the officer, get out of your vehicle, and close the door behind you so that he cannot see inside your vehicle. This will keep the officer from finding “any” further evidence without first obtaining a search warrant.
DON’T… It is your right to refuse to take any Field Sobriety Tests or Preliminary Breath Test. Refusing these tests is not a crime. If you refuse, it is likely that the officer will tell you that he will arrest you for DWI and take you to the station for booking and further testing. At this point it is likely that you will be arrested when you fail the tests anyway. Attempting these tests can really only work against you.
DO… Request to speak to an attorney before answering any questions or submitting to further testing. This is your right to speak to an attorney before being required to take a blood, breath, or urine test. Refusing this test is a crime, and can enhance the severity of the offense, but an experienced attorney can help you make the right decision in your situation.
The Attorneys at Sieben & Cotter can assist you in making your decision regarding breath testing during a DWI stop. Call or send a message to get help.
You have a limited right to speak to an attorney before consenting or denying the Implied Consent Test. The officer must tell you that you have this right before you take the test. This does not give you the right to speak with an attorney for hours, though, because of the testing delay. You are, however, afforded a reasonable amount of time to consult with your lawyer. Every case is different and you should ALWAYS exercise this right to determine the best decision for you. See article.
If you have been arrested on a DWI charge in Minnesota get help from an experienced DWI attorney. DWI convictions have serious consequences – especially if the incident involved injury to people or property, or if it’s your second or subsequent DWI. To avoid or reduce the consequences, contact Sieben & Cotter at 651-455-1555. Tom Sieben and Patrick Cotter are knowledgeable about DWI laws and how the system works in Minnesota.
DWI means “Driving While Intoxicated.” DUI means “Driving Under the Influence.” These can have different meanings in other states, but in Minnesota these terms are essentially the same.
If an officer has a reasonable, articulable suspicion that you have committed a DWI they may order you out of your vehicle, and ask you to conduct FSTs, and/or a PBT. These four roadside tests include, (1) Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, (2) one-leg stand, (3) walk-and-turn, and (4) portable breath test.
It is important to understand that you have options. It is NOT a crime to refuse these roadside tests. If you believe that there is even a chance that you are over the limit, you have nothing to gain from taking these tests. These test are unnatural movements, and failing the tests make your case much harder to win.
If you refuse the testing, the officer will likely arrest you anyway for suspicion of DWI. Likewise, if you fail the tests you will be arrested also. At this point you will be taken to the police station or hospital and read the Implied Consent Advisory. Refusing this blood, breath, or urine test IS A CRIME and can have significant consequences.
Every case is different. Exercise your right to speak with an attorney before making a decision about the Implied Consent testing.
Call 651-455-1555 to schedule a consultation at no charge to you. We will listen carefully and help you determine an appropriate course of action. We know 24/7 availability may be important under certain circumstances. Find more information here: Tom Sieben and Patrick Cotter.
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Tom Sieben, Sieben & Cotter PLLC
Tom is a third-generation lawyer in the Sieben family and is devoted representing individuals in criminal defense, taking a straightforward and aggressive approach to cases.
Patrick Cotter, Sieben & Cotter PLLC
Patrick is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, and he takes great pride in providing expert personal injury and criminal defense representation for his clients.