Degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct in St. Paul, MN
A criminal sexual conduct charge in Minnesota comes with intense stigma and judgement. Even worse, a conviction may result in criminal penalties and being labeled as a sex offender. Registration as a sex offender means any member of the public can learn details about who you are, what you were charged with, and even where you live. A conviction can also prevent you from obtaining employment and housing, and it can ostracize you from other community members.
There are five degrees of criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota. These charges increase in their level of severity and the severity of the punishment for a conviction. It’s important to remember that any conviction for a sex crime can affect your future. You should always take your case seriously no matter what level of criminal sexual conduct charge you face. If you are facing any of these charges, reach out to a St. Paul criminal sexual conduct defense lawyer for legal guidance.
First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct St. Paul, MN
This is the most severe charge. A defendant faces this charge if the victim was under the age of 13 and the defendant was at least three years older. A victim may also be between 13 and 15 if the defendant is at least 4 years older. There may have been a threat of violence or use of a hazardous weapon. An imbalance of power, such as the defendant being the victim’s teacher, may also result in a First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charge.
The consequences of a First Degree conviction include a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years with a maximum of 30 years in prison. The terms of release are often conditional and require offenders to submit to monitoring and treatment. A St. Paul criminal sexual conduct lawyer will be able to help you ensure you meet the conditions of your release.
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Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct St. Paul MN
This crime follows the same criteria as First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct but penetration is not required. Defendants are often charged with both First and Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. A conviction carries up to 25 years in prison, with a minimum sentence of seven and a half years. In addition, you will be on the sex offender registry for life.
Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct St. Paul, MN
This level of criminal sexual conduct includes statutory rape, which is penetrative sex when the victim is a minor but the defendant is also a minor or young adult close in age. It may also refer to penetration by people in certain positions of authority: police officers, clergy members, or correctional officers. The penalty for this crime is up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $30,000. There is also a potential for conditional release.
Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct St. Paul, MN
Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct is similar to criteria for a third degree charge, but it usually involves sexual contact instead of penetration. A conviction comes with a punishment of up to ten years in prison and/or an up to $20,000 fine. A conditional release may also apply, and you will be required to register as a sex offender.
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Fifth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct St. Paul, MN
This charge encompasses any sexual conduct that is not consensual. It also includes the removal or attempted removal of clothing that covers intimate parts; engaging in vulgar displays of genitalia; or masturbating in view of a minor under age 16. This crime is a gross misdemeanor. St. Paul criminal sexual conduct attorneys know that even a Fifth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charge can have serious implications. The consequences of a conviction are up to a year in jail and up to a $3,000 fine. This is the only degree of criminal sexual conduct where you may not be required to register as a sex offender.
If you have a previous conviction, your Fifth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charge can be charged as a felony and the punishment will be much more severe. This makes it even more vital that you work with a St. Paul criminal sexual conduct defense attorney.
St. Paul, MN Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
Criminal sexual conduct is an intense and impactful charge. The outcome of your case can change the trajectory of the rest of your life. You have the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome to your case by working with a criminal sexual conduct lawyer in MN like Jack Rice. Jack is a nationally recognized and award winning criminal defense lawyer. He is a MSBA Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a certification few attorneys obtain. Jack uses his years of experience to create an effective defense for each client. He’ll help you consider each of your options and decide the best path forward.
