Sex crime allegations (commonly charged out as criminal sexual conduct) are some of the most serious criminal charges a person can be accused of committing either in state or federal court. In addition to serious jail or prison sentences, a person convicted of sex crime allegations may be required to register as a sex offender for a minimum of 10 years, and possibly for life. Sex crime allegations can negatively affect numerous areas of your life, including your professional and personal life.
Sex crime allegations can include:
- Solicitation of a prostitute
- Sex trafficking
- Prostitution
- Solicitation of a minor
- Use of minors in criminal sexual conduct
- Indecent exposure
- Child pornography cases
- Sexual assault
- Criminal sexual conduct
One of the most serious sex crime allegations is criminal sexual conduct. In Minnesota state court there are 5 degrees of criminal sexual conduct that can be charged by the state:
- Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First and Third Degree involve allegations of sexual penetration.
- Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second and Fourth Degree involve allegations of sexual contact.
- Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Fifth Degree involves allegations of non-consensual sexual contact.
Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First through Fourth Degree are felony offenses, and Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Fifth Degree is a gross misdemeanor. If a defendant is convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree, he or she will be facing a likely sentence of 12 years or more in prison. In addition, if a defendant is charged with a felony sex offense, and either pleads to the felony offense or a lesser offense, he or she will be required to register as a sex offender for at least 10 years.
If you are charged with a sex offense, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who has a proven track record of success in handling sex crime cases. Robert D. Sicoli has won numerous not guilty verdicts in jury trials involving sex crime allegations, some of which can be found on his website at sicolilaw.com. For example, Bob won two separate acquittals for two teachers accused of sexual misconduct with their students. In addition, Bob has won numerous acquittals for parents or other caregivers who were accused of sexually abusing children.
The seriousness of criminal sexual conduct allegations, and the possible ramifications of having to register as a sex offender, make hiring an attorney with experience and knowledge in criminal sexual conduct cases essential.