Were You Charged With A Sex Crime In Or around Minneapolis?
No other criminal charge carries the stigma of a charge involving sexual misconduct. This is a stigma that can affect the accused for the rest of his or her life, especially if convicted.
What Is Considered A Sex Crime?
Sex crimes encompass a range of illegal acts that are sexual in nature. Minnesota law defines these offenses based on the type of conduct and the circumstances surrounding the incident:
- Sexual assault or rape
- Child molestation
- Sexual exploitation
- Possession or distribution of child pornography
- Indecent exposure
- Prostitution and solicitation
- Sexual harassment with criminal elements
These charges vary in severity but all carry significant legal and personal consequences. Understanding the specific allegations is the first step toward building an effective defense strategy.
Answers to more questions about sex crimes:
What Are The Degrees Of Sex Crime Charges, And How Are They Determined?
What Are The Potential Consequences Of Being Charged With A Sex Crime?
What Is Sex Offender Registration, And How Does It Impact Individuals?
What Are The Penalties For Failing To Register As A Sex Offender?
How Does One’s Risk Level Affect Sex Offender Registration Requirements?
What Are Common Defenses Against Sex Crime Allegations?
What Should I Do If I’m Falsely Accused Or Under Investigation Of A Sex Crime?
How Can A Sex Crime Attorney Assist During A Police Investigation?
Can Sex Crime Charges Be Dropped Or Reduced?
What Should I Do If I Am Questioned By Law Enforcement About A Sex Crime?
You Need An Aggressive Defense Against Sex Crimes Charges
An effective criminal defense begins immediately after you are suspected of a crime. You must understand that your defense entails not only challenging the state’s version of the facts but also challenging the laws. Christa defends clients accused of a variety of sex crimes, including:
- Criminal sexual assault
- Indecent exposure
- Child molestation
- Child pornography
- Prostitution and solicitation
- Juvenile sex crimes
- Incest
Serious penalties are imposed on those convicted of sex crimes in Minnesota, including jail or prison time and registration as a sex offender. Even a juvenile charged with a sex crime may need to register as a sex offender for life – beginning when one is a juvenile. Christa Groshek has extensive experience defending both adult and juvenile clients in sexual assault trials. She works diligently to minimize her clients’ exposure to these severe penalties.
What Are The Degrees Of Sex Crime Charges, And How Are They Determined?
Minnesota categorizes sex crimes into five distinct degrees based on several factors that determine their severity:
- First Degree: The most serious charge involves penetration with aggravating factors such as weapon use or injury. Penalties include up to 30 years imprisonment.
- Second Degree: Involves sexual contact with aggravating factors, punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment.
- Third Degree: Involves penetration under circumstances such as age difference or position of authority, carrying up to 15 years imprisonment.
- Fourth Degree: Involves sexual contact under specific circumstances, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Fifth Degree: Involves nonconsensual sexual contact or lewd conduct, with penalties of up to 7 years depending on prior offenses.
The specific charge depends on factors like the nature of the act, the age of the alleged victim and the presence of force or coercion.
What Are The Potential Consequences Of Being Charged With A Sex Crime?
Being charged with a sex crime in Minnesota impacts every aspect of your life. Beyond prison time and financial penalties, consequences include:
- Mandatory sex offender registration
- Restrictions on where you can live and work
- Loss of professional licenses
- Damage to personal reputation
- Strained relationships
These far-reaching impacts highlight why aggressive legal representation is essential from the earliest stages of the investigation.
What Is Sex Offender Registration, And How Does It Impact Individuals?
Sex offender registration requires convicted individuals to provide detailed personal information, including current address, employment information, vehicle information and physical description.
This information becomes publicly accessible through the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry, creating significant impacts, including housing restrictions, employment barriers, social stigma and regular check-ins with law enforcement.
What Are The Penalties For Failing To Register As A Sex Offender?
Failing to comply with sex offender requirements can lead to more legal problems. The law treats first violations as gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail.
Future violations could become felonies meaning up to five years imprisonment. Other punishments may include:
- Extended registration periods
- Immediate arrest
- Revocation of probation or supervised release
An experienced attorney can help manage these obligations and address compliance issues.
How Does One’s Risk Level Affect Sex Offender Registration Requirements?
Minnesota assigns risk levels to sex offenders based on their likelihood of reoffending. These are:
- Level 1 (Low Risk) involves information sharing only with law enforcement and typically 10-year registration.
- Level 2 (Moderate Risk) allows disclosure to schools and organizations in the offender’s area.
- Level 3 (High Risk) involves extensive public notification including community meetings and detailed online listings, usually with lifetime registration.
Legal representation during risk assessment hearings can sometimes help secure a lower-risk designation.
What Are Common Defenses Against Sex Crime Allegations?
Defending against sex crime charges requires strategic approaches tailored to each case. Common defenses include:
- Establishing consent between adults
- Proving mistaken identity
- Challenging insufficient evidence
- Identifying constitutional violations
- Demonstrating motives for false allegations
- Providing alibis
Early legal intervention significantly improves the chances of building a strong defense.
What Should I Do If I’m Falsely Accused Or Under Investigation Of A Sex Crime?
When faced with sex crime allegations, your priority should be to seek out an experienced attorney immediately before speaking to anyone. Then:
- Preserve all potential evidence including electronic communications
- Document your whereabouts around the alleged incident time
- Identify potential witnesses who can support your account
- Avoid contacting the accuser directly
- Refrain from discussing the case with others or on social media
Professional legal guidance from the earliest stages helps protect your rights while building an effective defense.
How Can A Sex Crime Attorney Assist During A Police Investigation?
An attorney can protect you during an investigation by serving as your law enforcement contact, preventing self-incrimination and evaluating evidence collection. They identify procedural errors, negotiate with prosecutors and prepare for arraignment.
This early representation often prevents charges from being filed or leads to better case outcomes.
Can Sex Crime Charges Be Dropped Or Reduced?
Sex crime charges can sometimes be dropped or reduced through strategic legal intervention. Key factors include early legal representation, evidence strength, constitutional issues, and effective negotiation.
An experienced sex crimes attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, potentially making the difference between conviction and dismissal.
What Should I Do If I Am Questioned By Law Enforcement About A Sex Crime?
If questioned about a sex crime, remain silent, request an attorney immediately, refuse searches without a warrant, and avoid explanations without counsel. Stay calm and document the interaction afterward.
Police questioning is meant to draw out incriminating statements – legal representation can protect you from this.
At Groshek Law PA in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sex crime defense lawyer Christa Groshek understands the serious impact these charges can have on an individual’s livelihood, family and future. She also understands that many sex crimes charges are the result of false accusations and children being coached by unscrupulous adults.
Contact A Minnesota Lawyer Defending Against Allegations Of Rape
Whether you have been charged with rape, child pornography or sexual assault, contact Groshek Law PA online to schedule a consultation to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call us at 612-426-7047.
