Criminal Sexual Conduct Lawyer / Sex Crime Charges St. Paul & Minneapolis
A criminal sexual conduct charge can impact a person’s life, but a conviction can impact it even more. If convicted, there are the criminal penalties in addition to the requirement to register as a sex offender, which in itself is a very serious penalty. Registration as a sex offender means that the public will know who you are, what you were charged with, and they will even be notified if you move into their neighborhood.
If you or a loved one has been charged with criminal sexual conduct, it is imperative to speak with a St. Paul criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. When you have a skilled attorney by your side, you can secure the best possible result in your case. Even if there is merit to the charges, you have rights that need to be protected and you can secure a better future than if you didn’t have an effective defense at all.
Trusted Sex Crimes Defense
There are five degrees of criminal sexual conduct that a person can be accused of. They are:
- First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct – The victim is under the age of 13 and the defendant is at least three years older. A victim may also be between 13 and 15 and the defendant four years older. If the victim is under the age of 16 and there is a significant relationship, such as the defendant being a teacher, then this could be the charge. This is the charge that is the most serious and it can result in years in prison, fines, registration as a sex offender, rehabilitation, and other penalties
- Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct – The same elements of first degree exist in this case, but there is not a need for sexual penetration for an individual to be charged with second degree criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota.
- Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct – There has to be proof of sexual penetration to be charged with third degree. The victim may be under 13 years of age and the defendant at least three years older or the victim 13 to 15 years of age and the defendant at least two years older. A person can be charged if the victim is 16 to 17 years of age and the defendant has a significant relationship with the victim.
- Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct – Proof of sexual contact is needed when the victim is 13 years of age or younger, especially less than three years of age, or when the victim is 13 to 15 years of age and the defendant is at least four years older or in an authoritative position. There is no sexual penetration in this case.
- Fifth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct – This charge encompasses any sexual contact that is not consensual.
Strategic Criminal Defense
Your St. Paul criminal defense attorney will do everything possible to determine what happened and use the facts in the case to secure the best possible result. The best result could be reduced charges that result in reduced penalties or a total dismissal of the charges if the evidence is not sufficient.
Contact A St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal sexual conduct is a serious offense to be accused of, as a conviction leads to prison time, fines, and registration as a sex offender. All of these are elements of a conviction that can affect the rest of your life. If you or a loved one has been accused of criminal sexual conduct, The Law Office of Alex DeMarco can help. Call today at 651-705-8829 to request a free 30 minute consultation.