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In Minnesota, a sex crime is any criminal offense involving sexual behavior or conduct and may include sex trafficking and forced labor, child pornography, sexual assault, sexual abuse, exploitation of children and persons with disabilities, and other forms of non-consensual sexual contact. Sex crimes also involve the handling and distribution of obscene materials.
The severity of charges varies depending on the jurisdiction, with many serving higher punishments for those charged with coerced sex or sex with minors. Judgments vary from probation to time in prison.
If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is critical to seek experienced legal counsel as early as possible. A knowledgeable sex crime defense attorney can help defend your rights and prevent significant alterations to your life.
At Sterle Law, we have extensive experience working as Minnesota sex crimes attorney on cases, which have resulted in the dismissal of charges, acquittals, and reduced sentences for many in the state. Given the sensitive nature of the cases, we handle the cases with compassion, ensuring understanding and support for our clients throughout the legal process. Through crafting vigorous defense strategies, we have established proven results in combatting charges.
Potential repercussions include considerable jail or prison sentences; hefty fines, restitution, or other expenses; sex offender registration; and the potential loss of professional licenses and opportunities to work in certain industries.
Should you be convicted of a sex crime in Minnesota, you must register as a sex offender. A sex offender registration is required even if you were originally charged with a sex crime and the conviction was reduced to a lesser charge. If you do not register, extensions to your registration period or jail time may occur.
There are three levels of sex offenders in Minnesota, which are determined by an offender’s risk level based on the following:
History of prior offenses, including components of the offender and victim’s relationship, the number of victims, and antisocial behaviors posing a risk.
The degree of harm – based on factors like the probable age of a victim or physical damage likely to be sustained – posed to others should the offender re-offend.
Evidence the perpetrator will re-offend should they be released into the community.
Physical conditions like chronic health problems, physical disability, or advanced age, which could diminish risk.
History of substance abuse and response to prior treatment programs and efforts.
Availability of support within their community and programs, as well as probability they will take advantage of them.
Level 1 offenders typically register for 15 years, and verification is annual. Those who commit non-violent sex crimes against someone 18 or older and are of sound mind and not disabled are considered a low risk, and are thus, classified as Level 1.
Level 2 offenders usually register for 25 years, and verification is bi-annual. For nonviolent crimes committed against those under the age of 18, offenders are deemed to have a low risk of re-offending, resulting in a Level 2 classification.
Third-degree criminal sexual conduct involves sexual penetration of another person and other circumstances like those in the first degree, including the offender knowing the victim was mentally impaired or physically helpless. The sentence for third-degree criminal sexual conduct is up to a $30,000 fine and/or up to 15 years in prison.
Non-consensual sexual contact or acts showing the genitals to those under 16 result in a fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct charge. Convictions result in a one-year prison sentence and/or a $3,000 fine. It may be classified as a felony if it is the same offense in another state or a second offense to someone under 16. The felony conviction is punishable by a five-year prison sentence and/or a $10,000 fine.
Traditionally, the legal process follows the following steps during sex crimes cases:
Given the complexity of the legal system, Sterle Law is there to guide you through the process, determining the ideal defense strategies, how to position yourself should the case go to trial, and more.
Les Brown