Minnesota Criminal Sexual Conduct Lawyer

Minnesota criminal sexual conduct charges cause a great deal of stress for the accused as well as their family. Criminal sexual charges can be extremely damaging to both professional and personal life, and sentencing for these crimes can be extremely harsh.

If you have been charged with a serious sex crime it is extremely important to have professional, experienced, legal assistance on your side to ensure the best possible outcome. Judith A. Samson is dedicated to providing clients with the legal advice necessary to win such cases and ensure your side of the story is heard.

Minnesota Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

Minnesota places criminal sexual conduct charges into five categories. These categories are first through fifth degree charges, with first degree charges being the most severe. Minnesota criminal sexual conduct and rape statutes contain five categories of criminal sexual offenses. The following outlines the difference between the varying degrees of criminal sexual conduct crimes:

• 5th Degree – Described as sexual contact as well as certain lewd actions. Fifth degree criminal sexual conduct is the least severe of Minnesota criminal sexual conduct charges. Fifth degree criminal sexual conduct charges are typically brought against a person if the victim was relatively young, incapable of consenting to sexual contact, or was particularly vulnerable at the time of contact. Fifth degree criminal sexual contact typically encompasses aggravated sexual contact in which penetration and/or severe injury did not occur.
  
  
• 4th Degree – Described as sexual contact. Fourth degree criminal sexual conduct charges are typically brought against a person if the victim was young, vulnerable, unable to consent to sexual conduct, or did not consent to the sexual contact. Fourth degree criminal sexual conduct charges involve aggravated contact; however, the victim is not typically severely harmed. 4th degree criminal sexual conduct typically encompasses Minnesota statutory rape charges.
  
  
• 3rd Degree – Described as sexual penetration. Third degree criminal sexual conduct charges include charges brought against a person if the victim was relatively young, unable to consent, or unwilling to consent. Unlike 5th, 4th, and 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct charges 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct does involve penetration. Minnesota 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct charges are not as severe as 1st or 2nd degree charges and are described as aggravated contact rather than assault resulting in injuries.
  
  
• 2nd Degree – Described as sexual contact. Second degree criminal sexual conduct is one of the most severe criminal sexual conduct charges. 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct charges are typically brought against a person if violence, force, a weapon, or threat of violence was used at the time of the act. 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct charges may also be brought against a person if the victim was extremely young, did not consent, or was unable to consent.
  
  
• 1st Degree – Most severe charges. Minnesota 1st degree criminal sexual conduct charges are described as sexual penetration as well as certain sexual contact with a victim under 13 years old. First degree criminal sexual conduct charges are also brought against a person if force was used, violence, the use of a dangerous weapon, and if injury was caused to the person.
  
  

Criminal Sexual Conduct Penalties

Sex crime penalties in Minnesota vary depending on the degree of conduct a person is charged with as well as the circumstances surrounding the charges. The relationship between the victim and the accused is considered, as well as other factors such as age and circumstances surrounding the act.

The following are examples of penalties which can be expected depending on the degree of conduct. These penalties may vary depending on the case and number of previous offenses.

• 1st Degree Penalties – Charges include a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison as well as a $40,000 fine.
  
  
• 2nd Degree Penalties – Penalties include a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison as well as a $35,000 fine.
  
  
• 3rd Degree Penalties – Charges are punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 15 years as well as a $30,000 fine.
  
  
• 4th Degree Penalties – Charges are punishable by a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison as well as a $20,000 fine.
  
  
• 5th Degree Penalties – Charges hold a maximum sentence of one year in jail with a maximum of a $3,000 fine for a gross misdemeanor. Repeat violations may be punishable by up to 5 years in prison as well as a $10,000 fine.
  
  

Minneapolis Criminal Sexual Conduct Defense

Criminal sexual conduct cases are complicated, damaging, and stressful for the accused as well as their families. These cases include a variety of charges, penalties, and circumstances which further complicate each case. Judith A. Samson understands this and is dedicated to making sure no stone goes unturned in your criminal sexual conduct case. Your side of the story will be heard, and you will be provided with the best legal assistance possible in order to help win your case.

Judith A. Samson is available 24/7 and offers a free initial consultation to clients. In conjunction with Samson Law, Judith A. Samson is able to provide clients with the most successful legal assistance possible. To contact Judith A. Samson today call (612) 333-8001.

The Minnesota sex crime lawyers with Judith A. Samson, represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and surrounding areas in Anoka County, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Sherburne County, Wright County and Washington County.