An offense classified as a felony is generally defined as punishment by imprisonment for one year or more. A felony can be defined as any criminal offense that results in a sentence of one year or more in prison after being convicted. Therefore, typically violent crimes are regarded as damaging or hazardous to society. They are classified as well as some of the most severe crimes that a person can conduct, such as first-degree murder and arson; felony crimes include a variety of other offenses.
According to Minnesota law, sexual assault, also known as criminal sexual conduct, is an alleged sexual contact or action without the victim’s consent.
Allegations can include the following:
Unwanted sexual contact and contact with a minor;
Conspiracy to compel the victim to engage in unwelcome sexual actions; and
The victim’s body has been penetrated.
Minnesota law categorizes criminal sexual conduct into five degrees, each determined by the alleged crime circumstances.
First-degree through fourth-degree sexual assault are felonies, whereas fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct is a misdemeanor.
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Sexual Assault on a First-Degree Basis
In Minnesota, first-degree sexual assault is the most severe type of criminal sexual conduct.
An allegation of sexual penetration of any individual, or an allegation of sexual contact with a juvenile under the age of thirteen, falls under this category.
Some of the claimed conditions that could give rise to a first-degree sexual assault charge include, but are not limited to, the following:
It was a victim under thirteen, and the accused was more than three years older than the youngster.
It was between the ages of 13 and 16, the accused held a position of control over the victim, and the accused was at least four years older than the victim; or
Because the accused had a potentially lethal weapon, they used or threatened to use the gun to coerce the victim into performing the act.
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First-degree sexual assault has a potential sentence of 30 years in jail and a fine of $40,000, depending on whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony in the circumstances.
Sexual Assault on a Second-Degree Level
According to Minnesota law, second-degree sexual assault includes any claimed sexual contact under at least one of the circumstances that apply to first-degree sexual assault.
It involves a possible sentence of up to 25 years in jail and a fine of $35,000, among other penalties.
Third-Degree Sexual Assault is a Serious Crime
Third-degree sexual assault is defined as the penetration of another person’s sexual organs.
Some of the claimed conditions that could give rise to a third-degree sexual assault charge, although not all of them, include the following:
It was a case of a minor (under the age of 13) and an adult (no more than three years older than the victim);
The victim was between the ages of 13 and 16 years old, while the accused was more than two years older than the victim;
The accused knew or had cause to know that the victim was mentally ill, mentally disabled, or physically incapable, and they were charged with the crime.
Third-degree sexual assault carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $30,000, and other penalties.
Sexual Assault on a Fourth-Degree Level
The act of sexual contact with another individual constitutes fourth-degree sexual assault.
Some of the claimed conditions that could give rise to a fourth-degree sexual assault charge include, but are not limited to, the following:
It was a case of a minor (under the age of 13) and an adult (no more than three years older than the victim);
The victim was between the ages of 13 and 16 years old, while the accused was more than four years older than the victim;
Force or compulsion was employed by the accused to achieve sexual contact.
Sexual Assault on a Fifth-Degree Level
Minnesota fifth-degree sexual assault allegations can be based on any of the following behaviors:
Contact with a sexual nature that is not consented to;
The act of masturbating or exposing one’s genitals while in the presence of a minor under the age of 16 is illegal.
The punishment for a gross misdemeanor is up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine if the offense is charged. A felony conviction entails up to seven years in prison and a fine of $14,000 when prosecuted.
Is it possible to have my sexual assault charges dropped or reduced?
An experienced sexual assault defense attorney may be able to have your sexual assault charges dismissed or reduced depending on the facts of your case.
Although it is possible to have your charges dropped or reduced, it might be difficult because some important defenses do not apply in sexual assault cases. If the allegations involve minors or an allegation of intoxication, consent is not a defense that can be raised.
In addition, the defense is known as “mistake of age” is often unavailable in assault cases involving children under the age of majority. You should consult with a sexual assault attorney right away to better understand the defenses available in your particular situation.
Protecting Yourself Against Sexual Assault Charges
Defending against charges of sexual assault is similar to defending against charges of other sex crimes. It frequently revolves around denying the victim’s allegations or seeking to demonstrate that the allegations are false. When an employee is dissatisfied or grudges against their employer, sexual misconduct may be accused. A defense against the charges may rest, in part, on demonstrating the victim’s ulterior intentions for bringing the allegations against the employer.
A prosecutor must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime of sexual misconduct occurred to bring a criminal case against the defendant. A defendant’s ability to demonstrate discrepancies in the prosecution’s case or present alternative explanations for the victim’s actions or perceptions may be sufficient to prevent a guilty verdict.
In addition, it is critical to note that consent may be used as a defense against sexual misconduct in some situations. Whenever a victim complains that they have been subjected to unwanted contact or harassment, the defendant can attempt to prove that the victim consented to the sexual actions at issue. The legal defense of consent may not be available in the sexual misbehavior committed while in a position of authority because the misuse of power is a crime, even if the subordinate appears to have given consent.