St. Paul Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

There is probably no more difficult charge to face - or to defend yourself against - than a charge involving sex. The law may presume you innocent, but your neighbors may not. The harm to your reputation can follow you for life.

You may think, "I'll just move away and start over." If you are found not guilty (the best our law can do), that can work. If you are found guilty of a felony, you will be required to register for the next ten years as a predatory sex offender in the community where you live. Your conviction will then become known to the community, and to the police, who tend to pay a good deal of "attention" to registered sex offenders.

You Want a Lawyer with Experience

I have been practicing criminal defense law in Minnesota for 20 years. I have defended clients against sex charges, including:

• Criminal Sexual Conduct 1˚ through 5˚
• Indecent exposure
• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Solicitation
• Engaging in Prostitution
• Statutory rape
• Child pornography
• Voyeurism

I know how to defend clients in these cases, and I know the special issues that often arise in sex crime defense. And I have some excellent experts to help us along a very difficult path.

Difficulties Unique to Sex Crime Cases

In Minnesota, there are five degrees of criminal sexual conduct. The first four degrees are felonies. That last is a gross misdemeanor. A conviction at the felony level requires registration as a sex offender and mandatory treatment (including a gross misdemeanor conviction when the charge is pled down from a felony).

That's one reason why this area of the law is so difficult. Those charged with crimes sometimes have the opportunity to plead to a lesser charge to avoid jail time. But that strategy is less attractive when the reduced charge still carries a ten year registration requirement, court-ordered treatment, and possible limitations on where you live.

Another difficulty with sex crimes and sexual assaults is that there has been a large increase in the sensationalism and prosecution of these cases. This media attention makes life extremely difficult for the accused: whether guilty or innocent of the charges. It is mathematically impossible to prove a negative.

There is the problem of false reporting. Vindictive ex-spouses or lovers often find it convenient to make such charges, especially where children or alcohol are involved. The proof often consists of a swearing contest that could go either way. In such a case, it has to go not guilty!

I know how important your dignity, reputation and freedom are to you. I will fight to vindicate you.

Please Contact me if you would like to speak with an experienced sex crime defense attorney. I offer a free initial consultation.