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Highly Recognized Sex Crime Lawyers in Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Four Minneapolis Sex Crimes Attorneys, One Powerful Law Firm

Attorney Kyle Dreger

Kyle Dreger

Attorney Gerald Miller

Gerald Miller

How Can Our Sex Crimes Attorneys in Minneapolis Help You?

Criminal Sexual Conduct

Possession of Pornography

Online Sex Crimes

Sex Offender Registration

Very few offenses have as severe direct and collateral consequences as sex crimes. A conviction could mean many years in prison. A conviction could also mean long-term registration as a sex offender and a number of other issues. In fact, the collateral consequences are often worse than the direct consequences.

At Gerald Miller, P.A., our team of legal and investigative professionals starts work quickly to prepare your defense. Sex crimes prosecutions are long chains with many links. If one link is weak, that’s enough for a powerful lawyer to break the chain.

Criminal Sexual Conduct Defense

It is important to remember that sex crimes are not assault. When a sex crime is involved, you should hire a Minneapolis Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer rather than an Assault Lawyers In Minneapolis.

Essentially, CSC is an unconsented sexual act. “Consent” is a voluntary, affirmative act. Depending on the facts of the case, Hennepin County prosecutors can bring one of the following charges:

  • Fifth Degree CSC is lewd conduct with no sexual penetration,
  • Fourth Degree CSC is a sex act which involves an underage or other vulnerable victim,
  • Third Degree CSC is sexual penetration with some aggravating facts,
  • Second Degree CSC is extreme sexual violence which does not involve penetration, and
  • First Degree CSC is the most serious charge.

Incidentally, with regard to statutory rape, Minnesota does not have a “Romeo and Juliet” exception. If two 15-year-olds have consensual sex, they could both be prosecuted for CSC.

Consent, or lack thereof, is the central issue in many of these cases. Physical evidence establishes violence, but only circumstantial evidence establishes lack of consent. And, this evidence is vulnerable. For example, consent to prior acts does not establish consent to the charged offense, but it might be enough to create reasonable doubt.

Uncertain identification is another common defense. Frequently, the area was dark and the alleged victim only caught a glimpse of the assailant.

Possession of Pornography

Experience has taught our Minneapolis Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers that Child pornography is the most common kind of illegal pornography. The image at issue could be a random internet photograph or something from an underground publication.

All possession cases, such as drug and pornography possession matters, usually involve search and seizure issues. These acts are illegal unless officers had a valid search warrant or a narrow search warrant exception applied.

Valid warrants are specific as to time, place, and items to be seized. Valid warrants also require solid affidavits. Common warrant exceptions include consent searches and plain view seizures.

Online Sex Crimes Defense

Most internet sex crimes are a combination of CSC offenses and pornography infractions. It is not against the law to talk to an underage person or even arrange a meeting. However, it is unlawful to take additional steps toward meeting. Our Minneapolis Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers know that Minnesota courts define this part of the offense very broadly. It could even include leaving the house to meet the person.

In terms of pornography, possession is not the only possible problem. It is also illegal to ask an underage person for an explicit photograph. Such conduct constitutes the production of illegal pornography.

The entrapment defense sometimes applies in these cases. Police officers can pose as underage girls and perhaps even lie about their identities. But, they cannot entice people to commit crimes.

Sex Offender Registration

All sex offenders, including misdemeanor indecent exposure offenders, must register for a minimum of ten years. In Minnesota, there are three different levels of sex offender registration.

Level I low-risk offenders must register, but only law enforcement officers and a few other individuals can access the information. The information for Level II medium-risk offenders is publicly available. At-risk organizations, such as nearby daycares, receive a special notification. Level III high-risk public information release usually involves a town hall meeting or another very public forum.

Minneapolis Sex Crimes Defense Attorneys have two chances to reduce an offender’s risk level. A review board makes an initial determination, and a judge can reduce the risk level at a subsequent modification hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any infraction with any sexual overtones, from the most innocent indecent exposure incident to the most violent sexual assault, is a sex crime in Minnesota. Furthermore, the registration requirement depends on the risk of re-offense as opposed to the facts of the case. So, an indecent exposure conviction could mean Level III registration.
Sexting is not a crime, but it is evidence of a crime. If a defendant sexted with an underage person and then took steps to meet that person, a jury can put two and two together.
Although it is usually a misdemeanor, indecent exposure is always a sex crime. “Gross lewdness or lascivious behavior, or any public indecency” is an ordinary misdemeanor. If such conduct occurred in the presence of a minor under 16, like in a park, or the defendant had a prior conviction, the offense is a gross misdemeanor. Indecent exposure is a felony if the defendant used force to compel someone to watch.
No, although such behavior could be considered disorderly conduct (any “offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous, or noisy” behavior). Public urination could be indecent exposure depending on if there are people around, and depending on where it is happening. But it would not require someone to register as a sex offender.
Fourth degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (statutory rape) and possession of illegal pornography are the most common state infractions. These and other internet sex crimes can also be federal offenses.

How We Make A Difference For You

See What Our Clients Say

Des Deantoni
Des Deantoni
22:25 18 Sep 23
Aubrey Olsen
Aubrey Olsen
16:58 16 Sep 23
10/10 recommend this firm and specifically Kyle D and Gerald. They were the people I needed in my corner when it mattered most to me and my family. I appreciate their support through the legal process, finding ways to make my life less difficult from the beginning through court and beyond. I would absolutely use them if I had to do it all over again.
Ian Simser
Ian Simser
17:42 14 Sep 23
Milk Stoned
Milk Stoned
22:10 07 Sep 23
Excellent service
Michael Pinto
Michael Pinto
16:06 18 Aug 23
Working with the Gerald Miller firm was an exceptional experience. All of the lawyers who we worked with were intelligent, kind, understanding and compassionate. They handled absolutely everything and were always responsive and available to talk. The result of our case was better than expected thanks to their experience. I highly recommend them! A special shout out to Kyle! Thanks guys...
Jason Shackelton
Jason Shackelton
10:49 11 Aug 23
From the first day I talked to Gerald, he eased my mind then when I met him. I knew I was in good hands. Not only a great and positive personality, he is very intuitive and to the point. He made it very easy for me to understand everything. Not to mention the staff is amazing as well. From Paula in the front of the office, to everyone I met there. Brodie, who took my case over made me feel very confident and less stressed and always answered my phone calls or returned them promptly. Very impressed. I could not be happier with this lawfirm, and everyone who works here. My case was settled weeks ago at this point, and I'm still smiling and forever grateful to you and your team, Gerald. Absolutely 10/5 stars if I could. I highly recommend this firm.Jason

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What Happens When You Get Charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct in Minnesota?

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Criminal sexual conduct is the criminal offense that encapsulates all sexual wrongdoing in Minnesota

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