Criminal sexual conduct is a very serious offense because of the nature of the crime. Being accused of it can result in a lot of confusion and uncertainty for the future. This is due to the fact a sex offense will follow you around for the remainder of your life in the way of your criminal record and the sex offender registry.
If you or a loved one has been accused of a sex crime, you need focused and experienced legal representation by your side. Even if there is any merit to the charges against you, you have the right to defend yourself and let the facts be known so that the best possible outcome can be reached.
Fighting Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges
There are different degrees of sex crimes. They are:
- First degree criminal sexual conduct – Sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13, the use of violence, force, or a dangerous weapon in achieving sexual penetration. Even if penetration didn’t occur, first degree can be charged if injury occurred during the sexual assault.
- Second degree criminal sexual conduct – Sexual contact that involves the use of violence, force, a weapon, or the threat of violence during commission of the act. Second degree criminal sexual conduct may also be charged when the victim is underage, if the victim wasn’t able to give consent, or if the victim didn’t give consent.
- Third degree criminal sexual conduct – Sexual penetration may occur and the victim may be underage, not able to consent, or unwilling to give consent. Certain circumstances surrounding the offense result in the offense not being as serious as second degree criminal sexual conduct.
- Fourth degree criminal sexual conduct – Sexual contact may be with a minor or someone who is vulnerable and unable to give consent. The victim may not sustain any sort of harm. Instead, the act may be aggravated contact. This is a charge that applies greatly to statutory rape cases.
- Fifth degree criminal sexual conduct – Certain lewd sexual acts fall under this degree. If the victim was underage and not able to consent or the victim was a vulnerable adult. This is aggravated sexual contact where severe injury or penetration doesn’t occur.
The penalties for all of these charges can be serious, such as lifetime registration on the sex offender registry, up to 30 years in prison, up to $40,000 in fines, and participation in the sex offender rehabilitation program.
Helping You Achieve The Best Result
Your Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer can fight to have charges reduced or dismissed or build a strong defense so that you are acquitted. There are different outcomes that can occur and your attorney’s concern is with securing the best one for you so you can move on with your life.
Contact A Minneapolis Criminal Defense Attorney
Sex crimes are taken very seriously and have some very heavy penalties when a person is convicted. If you or a loved one has been accused of a sex crime, you have the right to defend yourself against the charges in order to secure the fair conclusion in the case. To learn more about your rights and options, call the Olson Law Firm at 612-816-2322 to schedule a free consultation.
