Southern Minnesota Sex Crimes

• Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is sexual contact without consent. In Minnesota, there are five different degrees of sexual assault. First, second, third, and fourth degree sexual assault charges are felony offenses. A fifth degree sexual assault charge is a gross misdemeanor. If you or your family member was arrested and charged with this crime, our Southern Minnesota sexual assault defense attorney can help. 

• Prostitution & Solicitation: Prostitution is illegal in Minnesota. A person who sells sex can be arrested and charged with prostitution. A person who visits a prostitute can be arrested and charged with solicitation. Contact our Southern Minnesota prostitution & solicitation defense lawyers for more information. 

• Sex Offender Registration: Minnesota has strict sex offender registration requirements. Before pleading guilty to any sex crime, it is crucial that you understand what, if any, sex offender requirements will follow. We handle all types of sex offender registration matters, including failure to register charges. Contact our Southern Minnesota sex offender registration attorney for legal guidance and support. 

• Child Molestation: Child molestation is one of the worst criminal charges that a person can face. It carries severe penalties in Minnesota. It is a felony offense that can carry permanent sex offender registration requirements. If you or someone you know is facing molestation allegations, contact an experienced Southern Minnesota sex crimes defense lawyer immediately. 

• Distribution/Possession of Child Pornography: Computer sex crimes cases are complicated. Often, these cases center around allegations of the distribution or possession of child pornography. Our Southern Minnesota sex crimes defense lawyer has the professional knowledge and legal experience to defend the full range of computer sex crimes charges. 
• Romeo & Juliet Laws: Minnesota does not technically have a Romeo & Juliet law in place. These laws, which exist in many states, help ensure that young people are not hit with felony statutory rape charges for a relationship where the parties are relatively close in age. However, Minnesota does have options available for people in these types of cases. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to Southern Minnesota Romeo & Juliet law attorney for immediate assistance. 

Sex Crimes Charges in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How is Sexual Contact Defined?

Under Minnesota law (MN Stat § 609.341), the term sexual contact is defined as the intentional touching of the “intimate” body parts of another person. If sexual contact occurs without consent, a person can be arrested and charged with a serious criminal offense. Notably, the touching of clothing that covers a person’s intimate parts is generally sufficient to constitute “sexual contact” in Minnesota. 

What is Consent in Minnesota?

While some exceptions—such as for statutory rape or child-based sex offenses—sex crimes in Minnesota typically often involve allegations that one person attempted to or performed a sexual act on another without receiving consent. Consent can sometimes be a difficult matter to nail down. In Minnesota, it is defined as overt words or actions that clearly indicate that a person who has legal capacity is freely given permission for sexual contact. In certain circumstances, such as when a person is highly intoxicated, they may no longer be able to express consent. 

When are You Required to Register as a Sex Offender in Minnesota?

Many sex crimes in Minnesota require sex offender registration by the person who pleads guilty or convicted of the offense. As a general rule, you are required to register as a sex offender in the state if you are convicted of any felony sex crime or if you are convicted of any sex crime involving a minor. It is crucial that you understand the sex offender registration requirements associated with any criminal charge. If you are required to register, you must do so proactively. Failure to register as a sex offender is itself a serious criminal offense in Minnesota.  

How the Minnesota Criminal Defense Team at Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office Can Help

Sex crimes allegations carry enormous stigma. If you are facing a charge, it is normal to be stressed out, confused, and incredibly overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. At Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., we are experienced criminal defense advocates who are focused on helping people solve legal problems and secure their future. Among other things, our Southern Minnesota sex crimes defense attorneys are prepared to: 

• Conduct a comprehensive, detail-driven review of your case;
• Explain your legal rights and criminal defense options;
• Investigate the allegations, helping you prepare a defense; 
• Handle all discussions with police and prosecutors; and
• Develop a strategy to help you best secure your future.   

Contact Our Southern Minnesota Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer Today

At Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd., our Southern Minnesota sex crimes defense attorney are experienced, future-focused advocates for clients. Sex crimes carry enormous stigma. If you or your family member was charged with a sex-based offense, professional guidance and support is available. Contact us today for your completely confidential initial legal consultation. From our legal office in Mankato and Rochester, we defend sex crimes charges throughout Southern Minnesota. 

Testimonial

“This law firm is very experienced, very effective, and yet very personable when interacting with me throughout my nerve-wracking legal process. I’m completely satisfied with the outcome of my case. I would hire the Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office again without hesitation. And, I have since recommended them to several friends and acquaintances.”

– TOM W., CLIENT