Sex Crimes

Criminal Sexual Conduct

Solicitation of a Minor

Electronic Solicitation

Nonconsensual Dissemination of Private Images (Revenge Porn)

Sex or ChildTrafficking

Possession of Child Pornography

Distribution of Child Pornography

Production of Child Pornography

Prostitution

Solicitation of a Prostitute

Failure to Register as a Predatory Offender

Sex Offender Registration

Rape Charges or Rape Allegations

Stalking and Harassment

“Sex crime” is a blanket term covering a wide variety of criminal offenses related to alleged sexual misconduct throughout Minnesota. As a whole, sex crime charges are some of the most serious and stigmatized charges that can be leveled against a person in Minnesota. Common examples of sex crimes in Minnesota include:

• Criminal sexual conduct

• Solicitation of a minor

• Cyber sex crimes

• Nonconsensual dissemination of private images

• Revenge porn

• Sex trafficking

• Child pornography (possession, distribution, and manufacture)

• Prostitution and solicitation of a prostitute

• Failure to register as a predatory offender (sex offender)

A conviction for a sex crime can result in years or decades in prison, jail, probation, conditional release, mandatory sex offender treatment, mandatory therapy or other mental health treatment, a potentially lifelong felony conviction, hefty fines, forfeiture of property, and much more. A conviction for a sex crime can also easily result in years or even lifelong sex offender registration (called “registration as a predatory offender” in Minnesota). Designation as a sex offender seriously harms your ability to remain employed and find suitable housing.

Criminal Sexual Conduct

Criminal sexual conduct is—in very broad terms—nonconsensual sexual contact or penetration with another person. Criminal sexual conduct broadly covers conduct ranging from nonconsensually touching another person’s private parts over their clothes, to forcible, injurious rape. The vastly different levels of severity are reflected in five different levels of criminal sexual conduct charges in Minnesota: First-degree, second-degree, third-degree, fourth-degree, and fifth-degree. First-degree is the most serious charge, and is a felony offense that can carry a presumptive sentence of 12 years in prison. Fifth degree is the least serious, but a conviction for fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct can still easily result in a jail or prison sentence.

Cyber Sex Crimes

Sex crimes in general have changed drastically in the internet age. With the ease and relative immediacy of sharing images and files online, charges for cyber sex crimes (such as distribution, possession, and production of child pornography, revenge porn, prostitution using online means, etc.) are on the rise. These offenses can carry stiff sentences if they are not handled correctly. Some even involve mandatory prison sentences if a conviction is entered.

Likewise, websites like Craigslist and Backpages have drawn law enforcement’s attention. Now more than ever before, law enforcement are investigating and prosecuting cyber sex crimes like prostitution, solicitation of a prostitute, solicitation of a minor to engage in sexual conduct, sex trafficking, and attempts to commit those types of crimes. In turn, this increased attention has led to a serious increase in the amount of arrests made throughout Minnesota for the same types of crimes. Cyber sex crimes are serious and stigmatized. All of them can result in jail or prison sentences, and many of them are felony-level offenses.

Mandatory Sentences

Some sex crimes carry mandatory prison sentences if you are convicted. This means that if you plead guilty or are found guilty of having committed a certain subset of crimes following a trial, the judge lacks discretion to impose a lower sentence.

In Minnesota, except when a life sentence applies, if a person’s current conviction offense is criminal sexual conduct in the first- through fourth-degree, or criminal sexual predatory conduct under Minn. Stat. § 609.3453 within 15 years of a previous sex offense conviction, under Minn. Stat. § 609.3455 subd. 10, the presumptive disposition is commitment. The presumptive duration is at least 36 months, or the fixed duration indicated in the appropriate cell on the felony sentencing guidelines grid, whichever is longer.

Sex Crimes Defense in Minnesota

Every case is different, and every defense differs based on the facts, the method of investigation, the jurisdiction, and the client. However, the most effective defense to allegations of sexual misconduct in Minnesota across the board is to be proactive. There are proactive steps that a person can take to launch a strong defense even prior to receiving formal charges. The sex crime attorneys at Wilson do not believe in a wait-and-see approach. Depending on the nuance of each case and among much else, it may be appropriate to:

• Arrange for a private polygraph examination (lie detector test)

• Motion for the release of confidential records

• Gather statements and conduct independent investigation

• Contact the alleged victim (through the appropriate channels)

• Obtain medical reports and medical records

• Open a line of communication with law enforcement and the state

• Conduct a psychosexual evaluation

These and more proactive, preliminary options are available in defending against allegations of sexual misconduct, including criminal sexual conduct, solicitation, cyber sex/internet crimes, child pornography, and more.

We know you want to clear your name and explain the situation, but call us FIRST.

Wilson has experience defending incredibly serious sex offense cases in Minnesota, including in Hennepin and Ramsey County as well as throughout much of greater Minnesota. This includes Rice County, Dakota County, Itasca County, and Washington County. These sorts of allegations are nuanced and there are ALWAYS two sides to the story. Wilson works to make sure that YOUR side of the story is heard.

Do not speak with the police if you are contacted regarding a criminal sex offense in Minnesota. Call us first, and we’ll work to best handle the situation.

Call our experienced criminal sexual conduct firm TODAY at 612-910-2104. We offer free consultations and will happily answer questions about any sort of sex offense issue.