Have You Been Falsely Accused Of A Sex Crime?
You didn’t do it. The facts of what really happened are not what the police are being told. We understand that you want to clear your name and set the record straight when you are accused of a sex crime, but call us first. An accusation of sexual assault, criminal sexual conduct, prostitution or even solicitation is a serious accusation. The police are not on your side.
At Davis Defense, we are on your side. Our Bloomington-based law firm draws on 25 years of experience and a reputation for being tough, successful advocates in the courtroom for our clients. We offer a free consultation and can be reached online or at (952) 994-1568 today.
If You Know You’re Being Investigated For A Sex Offense, You Need A Lawyer
In Minnesota, and throughout the United States, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This is the law. However, when it comes to sexually-based offenses, the court of public opinion is often quick to convict without evidence and based only one account of events.
If you know you are under investigation for sexual assault, you need an attorney.
- Do not wait until you are arrested to know your rights or put someone on your side.
- Do not give statements to the police because you believe you can talk your way out of the investigation.
- Do not assume that being innocent is enough. When it is your word against someone else’s, the truth is often blurred or misunderstood.
It is not uncommon news to hear that someone who was previously convicted of a sex crime has been set free based on DNA evidence not presented at trial. Witnesses and “victims” of rape or sexual assault do not always tell the truth. You need a tough defense to beat an accusation of criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota.
What’s At Stake If You Are Facing A Sex Crime Charge?
Sex-based offenses are severely punished in Minnesota. Even if you are able to avoid prison after conviction, you will likely still face a sex offender registration requirement. Avoiding conviction (dismissal of charges, reduction of charges or a not-guilty verdict) at trial is needed to avoid penalties for a sex-based offense.
Minnesota categorizes and penalizes sex offenses by degree:
- First degree criminal sexual conduct (§ 609.342): up to 30 years in prison and/or a $40,000 fine.
- Second degree criminal sexual conduct (§ 609.343) up to 25 years in prison and/or a $35,000 fine
- Third degree criminal sexual conduct (§ 609.344): up to 15 years in prison and/or a $30,000 fine. There are exceptions to these penalties depending on your age and the age of your accuser.
- Fourth degree criminal sexual conduct (§ 609.345): up to 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine
- Fifth degree criminal sexual conduct (§ 609.3451): If the crime is considered a gross misdemeanor, up to 1 year and/or a $3,000 fine. If the crime is considered a felony, up to 7 years and/or a $14,000 fine.
Prostitution charges typically come about from a police “sting” operation in which a potential customer is arrested trying to purchase a sex act from an undercover police officer. While this type of prostitution charge is typically a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, depending on the facts and circumstances, the actual arrest record and the resulting public backlash against someone who has only been accused (not yet convicted) can create even more issues.
If you are wondering, “Do I need a sex crimes defense lawyer if I was accused of a sex offense?” The answer is yes. Absolutely you need a defense attorney on your side if you have been accused of a sex offense. The penalties following a conviction are severe.
Get The Help You Need From A Minnesota Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
Attorney Andrew Davis can be reached online or at (952) 994-1568 for a free consultation. If you’re facing a sex-crime-related accusation anywhere in the Twin Cities, call our office today.