What is a Sex Crime?
It is an unfortunate reality that for all of human history, people have been using and abusing each other sexually. Only in this modern era is the investigation, prosecution, and punishment for such behavior so abundant.
Today there are sex crimes charged in both state and federal court and all involve serious consequences. Charges involving criminal sexual conduct are among the most serious in criminal law and automatically stressful. Sometimes they can tear families apart.
The law concerning sex crimes can be complicated, and there are many different statutes and laws that govern sexual activity. Sex crimes include not only unwanted physical touching between adults or adults and minors, but also sending messages or videos of a sexual nature to minors, and more.
Here are some common legal state & federal terms & definitions...
What constitutesCriminal Sexual Conduct in Minnesota?
In Minnesota there are five levels of criminal sexual conduct, and each level depends on the ages of the people and behavior involved. The levels of criminal sexual conduct cover a range of behavior and with a range of penalties. The harshest penalties are reserved for nonconsensual sexual activity committed by force, coercion, or under the threat of a deadly weapon, especially if the complainant is a minor. In general, most convictions for Criminal Sexual Conduct require predatory registration, and penalties include potential prison time or onerous probation obligations.
Degrees and levels of Criminal Sexual Conduct
What is the definition of Sexual Penetration or Contact?
Under Minnesota Law, the definitions as used in the Criminal Sexual Conduct and other statutes are as follows:
Sexual Penetration is defined as the following:
1. Sexual intercourse constitutes sexual penetration if...
2. Fellatio constitutes sexual penetration if...
3. Cunnilingus constitutes sexual penetration if...
4. Anal intercourse constitutes sexual penetration if...
5. Any intrusion, however slight, of...
Sexual Penetration is defined as:
Sexual Contact is defined as:
Intentional touching of the intimate parts include:
(Under Federal law, a sexual act includes sexual penetration or sexual contact, embracing the same definitions of the state.)
The federal definition of Illicit sexual activity includes:
Statutory rape
What is statutory rape?
What is Solicitation?
What is the Definition of Solicitation?
What is Prostitution?
What is Sex Trafficking?
What is the definition of sex trafficking in federal court ?
What is a commercial sex act?
What is Solicitation and Promotion of Prostitution?
What is the definition of “child”?
What is the definition of Child Pornography?
What is the definition of “Minor”?
What does “Pornographic work” mean?
RELATED
a) knowingly persuades, induces, entices, or...
b) persuades, induces, entices, or...
Transportation of Minors is a federal crime for anyone to...
a) Knowingly transport a person under age 18...
b) Travel in interstate commerce or...
c) Travel in foreign commerce or...
d) For the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain...
e) Attempt or conspire to...
Other criminal sexual conduct Definitions...
What is "Sexual Performance"?
What does Sexual conduct mean?
1. An act of sexual intercourse, normal or...
2. Sadomasochistic abuse, meaning flagellation, torture, or...
3. Masturbation;
4. Lewd exhibitions of the genitals;
5. Physical contact or...
Consent to the sexual performance by the minor or parent/guardian/custodian is not a defense to this charge.
What is revenge porn?
What is Predatory Registration?
Do I need a lawyer if I’m charged with a sex crime?
YES! Accusations of criminal sexual conduct can have immediate consequences, such as the separation of family members or the loss of employment. Convictions for the same can have far reaching collateral consequences for the rest of a person’s life, including loss of housing or licensures, social isolation, and financial hardship. To adequately defend these charges, a defendant needs a lawyer with experience.
When Catherine represents people charged with sex crimes, she talks to them about what happened from their perspective and puts together a defense strategy that often involves talking to witnesses, gathering social media evidence, and making special motions in court.
She understands that accusations of rape, solicitation, or any other sex crime can ruin someone’s life and she’s committed to helping people fight the charges. She has won serious criminal sexual conduct trials, gotten charges dismissed, and kept people out of prison.
She knows how to work a case, and will help resolve the matter in the best interests of the client. Not every case ends up in trial, and Catherine is just as committed to negotiating a resolution that works for the client as she is to winning in front of a jury. Every situation is different and requires a unique approach. She will customize a defense that works for every client.
Catherine is an experienced criminal defense lawyer that defends against all criminal sexual conduct, solicitation, child pornography, and other sex crimes in state and federal court. If you or someone you love has been accused of a sex crime, Catherine can help. Call for a free consultation.
