Bloomington Sex Crimes Lawyer

Law enforcement officers aggressively investigate and prosecute sex crimes throughout the state, and these offenses often result in harsh penalties. If convicted, you could serve lengthy terms of incarceration and pay high fines. You also may be required to register as a sex offender, perhaps even for life. Because of the complexity of these charges, you may benefit from the guidance and advice that a Bloomington sex crimes lawyer could offer.

Even mere allegations of involvement in sex offenses can be devastating for you and your family. You could lose your job and may no longer be able to work in your field. To preserve your reputation in the community and your ability to earn a living, you likely need the assistance of a skilled criminal lawyer.

Types of Sex Offenses Under State Law

Several different criminal offenses constitute sex crimes under state law, and these offenses range widely in severity. One of the most common sex crimes is criminal sexual conduct, which covers multiple behaviors. Some examples include a lack of consent, a relationship with an imbalance of power, and sexual misconduct with children. Criminal sexual conduct can vary from first-degree charges resulting in more than 30 years in prison to fifth-degree charges resulting in a maximum jail sentence of one year.

Another common sex offense is criminal predatory conduct under Minnesota Statutes § 609.3453. This occurs when an individual commits a predatory crime motivated by sexual impulses or was part of predatory behavior intended to result in criminal sexual conduct. Predatory crimes include many different offenses under Minn. Stat. § 609.341.22, including some degrees of murder, manslaughter, assault, robbery, kidnapping, false imprisonment, tampering with a witness, arson, and burglary.

Minn. Stat. § 609.352 prohibits individuals from soliciting children to engage in sexual conduct and communicating sexually explicit materials to children. These offenses occur when adults over 18 solicit or communicate with minors or people they reasonably believe to be minors. As a sex crimes lawyer in Bloomington may advise, both offenses are felonies that carry potential penalties of three years of incarceration and a fine of $5,000.

Sex Offender Registry Requirements

Besides creating a permanent criminal record that could jeopardize future personal and professional opportunities, a conviction for some sex crimes may require placement on the sex offender registry. The minimum time for mandatory registration is ten years, and in some cases, individuals may be on the list for life.

Various criminal convictions may require sex offender registration, including:

• First through fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct
• Possession of child pornography
• Solicitation of minors to engage in sexual conduct or prostitution
• Felony-level indecent exposure

Individuals convicted of other crimes, including criminal predatory conduct, must also register. Following the initial registration, individuals must update their information if they change their addresses, employment, schools, or vehicles. A Bloomington sex crimes attorney could provide more information on which offenses require registration.

Failure to Register in Bloomington

Failure to update this information in a timely manner can result in additional criminal charges. Under Minn. Stat. § 243.166.5, intentionally failing to register or giving false information to the registry can be charged as a separate felony offense. If convicted, an individual could face a prison term of one to five years and a $10,000 fine.

A second or subsequent failure to register can result in a felony conviction with a potential sentence of two to five years. More severe penalties may arise for individuals classified as risk level III offenders due to a high risk of reoffending.  A person who faces an accusation of failing to register may benefit from consulting a sex offense attorney in the area.

Call a Bloomington Sex Crimes Attorney Today

If you are facing sex crime allegations, your reputation, family, and career could be at stake. Getting legal advice from a qualified professional could be crucial to a positive outcome in your case. Working with a Bloomington sex crimes lawyer could be your most effective option in defeating or mitigating the charges against you. Call today to schedule a consultation and start building a strong defense.