Minneapolis Sex Crime Lawyer

Defending Those Who Are Facing Sex Crime Accusations

Facing a sex crime allegation is one of the most overwhelming, frightening experiences a person can go through. The mere accusation can instantly derail your career, fracture your family dynamics, and permanently damage your reputation in the community. Long before a case ever reaches a courtroom, the public often rushes to judgment.

At Tamburino Law Group, we believe that everyone deserves a rigorous defense and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. If you are being investigated or have already been charged, you cannot afford to wait. Securing an experienced, aggressive Minneapolis sex crime attorney is the most critical step you can take to protect your freedom, your future, and your rights.

Here's why you should hire our firm:

• Both of our partners have experience as former prosecutors
• We’ve been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers® for over a decade
• We have handled hundreds of jury trials throughout Minnesota
• Our criminal defense team is available to take your call 24/7
• Our staff includes two Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists

Are you facing charges for a sex crime? Call (612) 444-5020 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our sex crime defense attorney in Minneapolis.   
 

What is Considered a Sex Crime in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a sex crime is broadly defined as any illegal act involving non-consensual sexual contact, penetration, exploitation, or behavior that violates state statutes regarding sexual conduct. These offenses are taken incredibly seriously by state prosecutors, and Minnesota laws are designed to penalize these actions severely.

Under Minnesota law, criminal sexual conduct (CSC) is divided into five distinct degrees, ranging from first-degree (the most severe) to fifth-degree. Whether a crime is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depends on several aggravating factors, including:

• The age of the alleged victim
• Whether physical force, coercion, or weapons were used
• The relationship between the accused and the alleged victim (e.g., a position of authority)
• Whether the alleged victim was mentally or physically incapacitated or helpless

Common Types of Sex Crimes & Penalties

Sex crime charges carry some of the most severe penalties in the Minnesota criminal justice system. A conviction can result in decades in prison, massive fines, and a mandatory requirement to register as a predatory offender.

Below is an overview of the common types of sex crimes prosecuted in Minneapolis and their corresponding statutory penalties:

Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC)

• First-Degree CSC: Involves non-consensual sexual penetration accompanied by aggravating factors, such as the use of a dangerous weapon, causing personal injury, or the victim being under the age of 13.
  • Penalty: Up to 30 years in prison (or life imprisonment for certain severe or repeat offenses) and fines up to $50,000.
• Second-Degree CSC: Involves non-consensual sexual contact (rather than penetration) with aggravating factors similar to those in the first degree.
  • Penalty: Up to 25 years in prison and fines up to $35,000.
• Third-Degree CSC: Involves non-consensual sexual penetration where force or coercion was used, or where the victim was physically or mentally helpless, but without the extra aggravating factors of first-degree.
  • Penalty: Up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $30,000.
• Fourth-Degree CSC: Involves non-consensual sexual contact using force or coercion, or involving a helpless victim.
  • Penalty: Up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.
• Fifth-Degree CSC: Involves non-consensual sexual contact or indecent exposure without the use of force or coercion. It can be charged as a gross misdemeanor or a felony, depending on prior offenses.
  • Penalty: Up to 1 year in jail for a gross misdemeanor, or up to 5 years in prison for a felony.

Other Sex Offenses

• Possession or Distribution of Child Pornography: Utilizing the internet or electronic devices to view, download, share, or possess explicit material involving minors.
  • Penalty: Federal or state felony charges carrying up to 5 to 20+ years in prison.
• Solicitation and Prostitution: Engaging in, hiring, or agreeing to hire someone for sexual acts. If a minor is involved, this automatically elevates to a severe felony.
  • Penalty: Varies from misdemeanors to heavy multi-year prison sentences.

Note on Sex Offender Registration: Beyond prison time, a conviction for almost any degree of criminal sexual conduct requires mandatory registration on the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry for a minimum of 10 years, and often for life. This registry is public and can restrict where you live, where you work, and your travel.

Legal Defenses to Sex Charges

An accusation is not a conviction. Prosecutors must prove every element of a sex crime beyond a reasonable doubt, which is an exceptionally high legal standard. At Tamburino Law Group, we meticulously analyze the state's evidence to uncover weaknesses and build a robust defense.

Common legal defenses to sex charges in Minneapolis include:

• Consent: If the sexual contact or penetration was fully consensual between two legally capable adults, no crime occurred. We examine communications, timelines, and witness statements to establish consent.
• False Accusations: Tragically, false allegations of sex crimes happen. They can arise from bitter custody disputes, relationship breakdowns, revenge, or mental health struggles. We work to uncover the true motives behind false reporting.
• Mistaken Identity or Alibi: Proving that you were not the individual who committed the act, backed by digital evidence, surveillance footage, or reliable witness testimony placing you elsewhere.
• Lack of Evidence: Many sex crime cases rest entirely on "he said, she said" testimonies. If there is a lack of physical, forensic, or corroborating digital evidence, we can argue that the prosecution has failed to meet the burden of proof.
• Constitutional Violations: If law enforcement conducted illegal searches, seized your electronic devices without a proper warrant, or violated your Miranda rights during interrogation, we can fight to have that evidence suppressed.

How Prosecutors Build Sex Crime Cases

Sex crime investigations often rely heavily on statements, digital evidence, forensic testing, and witness testimony. Prosecutors may use:

• Text messages or emails
• Social media communications
• DNA evidence
• Phone records
• Surveillance footage
• Statements from witnesses or alleged victims
• Computer or internet search history

However, evidence is not always as clear as prosecutors claim. In some situations, evidence may be unreliable, incomplete, improperly collected, or open to interpretation. A defense lawyer can closely review the prosecution’s evidence to identify inconsistencies and constitutional violations.

What to Do After Being Accused of a Sex Crime

If you are under investigation or have been arrested, the actions you take immediately afterward matter. You should:

• Remain silent and avoid discussing the allegations with the police
• Avoid contacting the accuser
• Preserve potential evidence and communications
• Refrain from posting about the case online
• Contact a Minneapolis sex crime lawyer immediately

Anything you say to investigators can potentially be used against you. Speaking with an attorney before answering questions is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer if I am innocent?

Yes. In fact, being innocent makes hiring a lawyer even more critical. Innocent individuals often talk to the police, thinking they can easily clear their name, only for investigators to twist their words and use them as a confession. An attorney acts as your shield, ensuring your words cannot be manipulated.

What should I do if the police contact me regarding an investigation?

Politely decline to answer any questions and state clearly, "I am exercising my right to remain silent, and I want to speak to my attorney." Do not agree to an interview, do not try to explain your side of the story, and contact Tamburino Law Group immediately.

Will I automatically have to register as a sex offender if I am charged?

No. The requirement to register as a predatory offender only occurs if you are convicted of an eligible offense. By fighting the charges, negotiating a plea to a non-registrable offense, or winning an acquittal at trial, you can avoid the registry entirely.

Can sex crime charges be dismissed?

Yes. Depending on the evidence, procedural issues, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, charges may sometimes be reduced or dismissed.

Can a sex crime conviction affect my employment?

Yes. A conviction can appear on background checks and may impact employment opportunities, professional licenses, and housing applications.

Are internet sex crimes prosecuted seriously?

Absolutely. Minnesota prosecutors aggressively pursue internet-related offenses, especially cases involving alleged communications with minors or unlawful digital content.

What if the accusations against me are false?

False accusations do occur. Our firm can investigate the allegations, examine inconsistencies, and gather evidence supporting your defense.

Reach Out to Our Team Today

Our experienced team of sexual crimes lawyers in Minneapolis can help you understand your rights and navigate the criminal justice system. We can help you build a strong defense and work towards getting the charges dropped or reduced. Check out our results and testimonials for yourself. We are ready to defend you during this trying time.

Get 100 years of proven experience on your side! We’re available 24/7, so contact our sex crime lawyers in Minneapolis to schedule a free case evaluation today!