Minnesota Criminal Sexual Conduct Lawyers and Defense Attorneys

Under Minnesota law, sex crimes include rape, unwanted sexual contact, statutory rape, criminal sexual assault, child solicitation, child pornography, child enticement, sodomy, incest, prostitution, pimping, solicitation of mentally impaired individuals, and so much more. There are some offenses that are not pursued, but they do remain on the books, such as sodomy.

But there are some rather interesting statistics surrounding criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota. Those include:

  • The number of reported sexual offenses in Minnesota has remained steady since 1984.
  • Around 90% of the victims are children and adolescents.
  • 84% were victims of adult offenders and are under the age of 18. Approximately 46% of those victims are under the age of 13.

First and Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Criminal sexual conduct offenses in Minnesota are classified in 4 different degrees. First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct involves:

  • The complainant is under 13 years old and the accused is more than 3 years older than the complainant; or the complainant is between the ages of 13 and 16 and the accused is more than 48 months older and in an authoritative position.
  • There is fear of great harm.
  • The accused has a weapon and threatens to use it in order to achieve submission.
  • Personal injury is caused by the accused through sexual penetration, the complainant is mentally impaired, there is more than one individual involved in the act.
  • The accused has a sexual relationship with a person under the age of 16 and has a significant relationship, such as guardianship.

The penalty for First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Minnesota is up to 30 years in prison and a fine that can exceed $40,000.

Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct follows the same criteria as First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. However, the difference is that penetration is not required, whereas it is in First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. Instead, the term “sexual contact” is used to define inappropriate touching of the genitalia and other areas on the body. The penalty is 25 years in prison and fines of up to $35,000.

Third and Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Minnesota

Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Minnesota does not follow the same criteria as first and second degree. However, it does require sexual penetration, but is not as severe as First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. The following apply:

  • The complainant is under 13 years of age and the accused is more than 3 years older; or the complainant is between the ages of 13 and 16 and the accused is over 2 years older than the complainant.
  • Force or coercion is used.
  • The complainant is mentally impaired.
  • The complainant is between the ages of 16 and 18 and the accused is more than 48 months older than the complainant and in a position of authority.
  • The penalty can vary based on certain circumstances and can range anywhere from 5 years to 15 years with fines up to $30,000.

Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct is the same as third degree, but with the “significant relationship” aspect added. This means that there is a significant relationship between the accuser and the complainant and the complainant is between the ages of 16 and 18. The penalty in this case is up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

Fifth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Fifth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Minnesota is the least severe of the classifications. This involves nonconsensual sexual contact, lewd exhibition or masturbation in front of a minor, and any other such offense.

The penalty is approximately one year in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.

Criminal Sexual Conduct Lawyer Minnesota

Our “Minnesota Criminal Sexual Conduct Defense Lawyers” represent clients throughout Minnesota including the Twin Cities of St Paul & Minneapolis. Also serving Woodbury, Roseville, Richfield, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Maplewood, Maple Grove, Lakeville, Edina, Eagan, Coon Rapids, Burnsville, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Bloomington, Blaine, Apple Valley, Anoka, St Cloud, and Mankato.

If you have been accused of Criminal Sexual Conduct in Minnesota, call the DeVore Law Office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 651-633-5000 and speak to an attorney immediately.