Golden Valley Sex Crimes Lawyer

Though any arrest is a scary experience, sex crime charges are among the most serious a person can face. A conviction can mean lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and a felony or misdemeanor conviction on your permanent criminal record. Sex crimes also carry a stigma and can lead to many future problems with finding a job, housing, or anything that requires a background check.

Having a diligent criminal defense attorney in your corner can make all the difference in a case like this. A Golden Valley sex crimes lawyer at BK Law Group could assess your case, build a strong defense on your behalf, and fight for your rights in court.

Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First-Degree

First-degree criminal sexual conduct is the most severe charge a person can face. According to Minnesota Statutes § 609.342, the court could consider the following actions criminal sexual conduct in the first degree:

• Sexual contact with a child under 13 years of age when the perpetrator is at least three years older
• Sexual contact with a child between 13 and 16 years of age when the perpetrator is at least four years older
• Sexual contact with an individual after causing them to fear severe bodily harm either by threat, with an accomplice, or with a weapon
• Sexual contact with a person suffering from mental impairment rendering them incapable of communicating consent

A person found guilty of a first-degree sex crime will have a felony conviction on their permanent criminal record. They may also face $40,000 in fines, 12 to 30 years in prison, and required sex offender treatment and monitoring programs upon release.

Other Degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct

A person can also face criminal sexual conduct charges in the second, third, fourth, and fifth degrees. The degree of charges and penalties will depend on the severity of the charges they face and the individual’s criminal background. A Golden Valley sex crimes attorney could answer specific questions and review the criminal statutes applicable to a particular case.

Required Sex Offender Registration After a Conviction

Certain sex crime convictions will require that the individual register as a sex offender upon release from prison. These convictions include the following:

• Criminal sexual conduct in the first, second, third, or fourth-degree
• Felony indecent exposure
• Possession of child pornography
• Soliciting a child to engage in any form of sexual conduct or prostitution

The criminal statute requires listing a convicted sex offender in the registry for at least ten years. If the court orders them to serve a probation sentence that exceeds this requirement, they must be registered as a sex offender until they finish their probation sentence. Sex offender registry requirements include submitting personal and identifiable data such as a home address and employer contact enforcement to law enforcement agencies. A knowledgeable Golden Valley lawyer could explain the penalties someone may face for a sex crime conviction and help build a defense against them.

Call a Seasoned Golden Valley Sex Crimes Attorney

Being arrested for any sex crime can lead to a wide range of charges and penalties, including prison time and required registration as a sex offender. A conviction will remain on your permanent criminal record and likely cause many problems in the future.

Understanding the charges you face will help you prepare a defense that maximizes your chances of achieving the best potential outcome. A Golden Valley sex crimes lawyer could guide you through this process and fight for you in court. Call today to get started on your case.