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Criminal Defense

Lawyers serving individuals throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area, including:

Criminal Sex Offenses

Minnesota has created a catch-all term for all crimes of a sexual nature, including rape, statutory rape, and incest. All crimes of this type are charged under criminal sexual conduct statutes. These charges range from the most severe, first degree criminal sexual conduct, to the least severe, fifth degree criminal sexual conduct.

Based on the particular degree of criminal sexual conduct, certain defenses may be used. Often, mistake of a person’s age is not a defense, and there are many instances when consent is not a defense.

The relative ages of the actors and life roles do play significant factors in determining the severity of the charge. For instance, a person who holds authority over minors, such as a teacher, may be charged with a higher offense level than someone who is not in a position of authority over the minor.

If an individual is charged with criminal sexual misconduct, and is convicted of this or any other amended crime, he or she will be mandated to register as a sex offender.

There are also many civil penalties that could result from a conviction of a criminal sexual conduct charge.