Defending Yourself Against Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges in Minnesota

MINNESOTA CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT ATTORNEY JENNIFER SPEAS

In the state of Minnesota, Criminal Sexual Conduct charges are categorized in 5 different degrees. 1st degree is arguably the most serious charge and they rank down to the 5th degree which typically involves allegations of sexual contact or lewd behavior. There is a quick breakdown of the various degrees, what they mean, and the sentencing guidelines available here.

Recently, it was reported that an Oregon man, who was visiting Minnesota, was charged with 1st-degree criminal sexual conduct as well as 3rd-degree assault. The charges stem from an alleged encounter on November 30th involving a Minnesota woman at a hotel in Bloomington. It was reported the man was in town for a business trip and assaulted the woman who had been drinking and passed out after being at the hotel bar with friends. The woman claims she awoke naked in the man’s room. She further claims that after she awoke, he tried to choke her and he hit her before she was able to escape his room and seek help at the front desk. She stated to authorities that she did not consent to have sexual relations with the male at any time.

There was DNA and other evidence found in the man’s hotel room when police inspected it and the man was placed under arrest.

Under Minnesota law (609.342), the man could face up to 30 years in prison and be ordered to pay fines totaling as much as $40,000. The average sentence for these crimes is typically 144 months (12 years), but other factors can play a part in the final sentencing. Some of these factors may include:

  • previous criminal history
  • previous charges for sexually related crimes
  • presence of other charges stemming from the incidence
  • the age of the victim

When defending yourself against criminal sexual conduct charges, it is very important that you hire an attorney who is not only well-versed in Minnesota law but is also experienced in mounting a criminal defense against these types of charges in particular. Our firm hashandled many cases involving sexually related charges and our attorneys are aggressive and provide a thorough and personalized defense on your behalf.

We offer a free consultation where we will meet with you and listen to your account of the incident in question and determine the best course of action for your particular case. It is important to act as soon as possible. Every minute counts and it can be dangerous to proceed on your own without the aid of an experienced Minnesota defense attorney in your corner advising you at every step.

We will take a look at the circumstances surrounding your charges and identify areas to highlight and use for your defense. Our attorneys will look at the pertinent history of the accuser, whether drugs or alcohol were involved and if they affected the memories of both you and your accuser, if there are any witnesses to the event, and if anyone was present in the time before and after the alleged incident that will be able to corroborate your story or that can testify to behaviors they observed or things they noticed around the time of the alleged event. Our investigation will be comprehensive and we will explore every avenue presented to us.

Criminal sexual conduct charges are very serious and should never be taken lightly. The accused should not only be concerned with possible jail time and fines but, if convicted, they will have to register with the national offender registry and will be required to have their DNA on file as well.

We urge to reach out to us to schedule your free consultation so that we may discuss your case in detail with you and offer you some realistic solutions to your real life problem.