A Minneapolis-area man allegedly became violent this NYE after overindulging in alcohol and becoming intoxicated. According to reports, he punched both his girlfriend and his baby, and now faces charges of assault and child endangerment.
His girlfriend says that 29-year-old Viktor Eduardovich Kostriskiy became drunk and dropped the couple’s 15-month-old son. Alarmed, she asked to take the baby, which Kostriskiy allegedly refused before punching the girlfriend.
She was ultimately able to get the baby from him, but Kostriskiy then allegedly cornered her and the baby and continued to punch his girlfriend in the face. One of those punches hit the baby in the head. Kostriskiy was arrested and admitted to drinking, but denied assaulting his girlfriend or baby. Kostriskiy now faces the very serious charges of third-degree assault of a victim under four, domestic assault and battery, and child endangerment.
Child abuse is taken very seriously in Minnesota. In fact, our state has recently been cracking down on child abuse, so it is likely that Kostriskiy will be strenuously prosecuted and face a severe sentence if convicted.
What do these charges mean, and what penalties does Kostriskiy face?
Assault of a Victim Under Four
For allegedly punching his baby in the face, Kostriskiy has been charged with third-degree assault of a victim under four. Under Minnesota law, assaulting a victim under four and causing harm to the child’s head, eyes, or neck is a felony punishable by up to five years of imprisonment, up to a $10,000 fine, or both.
Child Endangerment
For allegedly dropping the baby and insisting that he continue to hold her while intoxicated, Kostriskiy faces gross misdemeanor child endangerment charges. Under Minnesota law, recklessly or intentionally allowing a child under 14 to be placed in a harmful situation is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, fines up to $3,000, or both.
Domestic Assault
Because Kostriskiy allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face, he has been charged with domestic assault. Kostriskiy was previously convicted of domestic assault in October 2008. Because he has a prior conviction within the past 10 years, Kostriskiy has been charged with a gross misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, a fine up to $3,000, or both.
Civil Consequences
If convicted, Kostriskiy faces not only the above criminal penalties, but also long-lasting civil consequences. Few crimes are as grievous as violence against a child, so this criminal record is likely to compromise future employment and housing prospects. It is also associated with a significant negative social stigma.
Should Kostriskiy separate from his girlfriend, a conviction of child assault and/or endangerment is likely to compromise his parental rights to their baby. His girlfriend would have a far greater chance of being awarded full custody, and any allowed visitation could be supervised.
Finally, if Kostriskiy is convicted of the felony charge of child assault, he faces the long-term restrictions placed upon a convicted felon’s freedom. For example, he will be prohibited from possessing firearms or voting.
At Keyser Defense, we contend that domestic abuse should never be tolerated, but also believe that everyone is entitled to the rights and protections guaranteed to them under our laws. Do not take these types of accusations lying down. Take action to avoid criminal penalties and clear your name by retaining a knowledgeable Minnesota criminal defense attorney with a track record of success in domestic battery and child abuse cases.
About the Author:
Christopher Keyser is a Minneapolis-based criminal and DWI defense attorney known for fighting aggressively for his clients and utilizing innovative tactics to get the most positive results. He has been featured in numerous media outlets due to the breadth and depth of his knowledge, and recognized as a Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Star (2014–2015), a Top 100 Trial Lawyer (2013–2015), and a Top 40 Under 40 Attorney (2013–2015).
