Sex Offenses

Mankato Sex Offenses Attorney

Sex crimes are also referred to under Minnesota Statutes as Criminal Sexual Conduct and they carry some of the most extreme consequences of any crime aside from premeditated murder. The consequences do not only involve going to prison and probation, but there is the sex offender registry, sex offender treatment programs, and more.

If you have been charged with a sex offense, you need to work with a Southern Minnesota sex offenses attorney who is very well-versed in the law surrounding sex offenses. The sooner you make the call, the sooner you will know your rights, options, and work can begin on your case.

Types Of Sex Offenses

There are many types of sex offenses. They include:

  • Rape
  • Sexual assault
  • Child pornography
  • And many others

The offenses are placed in a number of classifications. The first is rape and it falls in the many categories, or degrees, that range from First Degree to Fifth Degree. Where the crime falls depends on the age of the victim, the age of the defendant, the relationship between the two, any injury that occurred, and any other factors present during the commission of the crime. Age difference is a major factor in such crimes.

Degrees Of Sex Offenses

As stated before, there are varying degrees. The categories are very complex in that an offense has to meet a specific definition in order for it to be placed in the right one. Two of the categories are Criminal sexual Conduct in the First and Third Degrees. They differ from Second, Fourth, and Fifth Degree in that these three cover unwanted or forced sexual contact that does not include actual penetration.

Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree covers the following:

  • The offender was at least 36 months older than the victim who was under 13 years of age
  • The victim was between the ages of 13 and one day shy of turning 16 while the offender was at least 48 months older and in a position of authority
  • The victim was in fear of being harmed
  • The offender used a dangerous weapon or threatened to use it to make the victim submit
  • The offender was aided and abetted by at least one accomplice and the accomplice coerced the victim to submit or the accomplice was armed and threatened the victim with the weapon
  • The victim was under 16 years old and had a significant relationship with the offender.

If convicted of First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, the mandatory sentence is at least 12 years in prison.

Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree involves sexual penetration, but the circumstances are different than First Degree in that the ages are different. For instance, the victim was at least 16 but no older than 18 years old and the offender was at least 48 months older and in an authoritative position.

No matter what the charge, you need a Mankato sex offenses lawyer to help you navigate the legal system, to protect your rights, and to push for the best possible outcome regardless of innocence or guilt.

Contact A Southern Minnesota Sex Crimes Lawyer

If you have been charged with a sex offense, you need to work with an attorney who is experienced with such crimes and who knows the law surrounding them. There are times when the law works for the defendant. There are also times when it must be shown by an attorney who can show that the evidence is too weak to convict. To learn more about how Birkholz Law, LLC can help you, call the Mankato office at 507-387-2100, the Westbrook office at 507-274-6501, or the St. James office at 507-375-3374 to schedule your free consultation.