Allegations of rape and other sexual offenses can cause severe reputational harm long before any trial. Martine Law attorneys act fast with focused criminal defense to protect your rights from the start.
Sexual Assault Lawyer in Minnesota
State Bar Licensed
Judicial Insight
6+
Years Experience
24/7
Available
4,000+
Cases Handled
How Minnesota Classifies Sexual Assault Cases
The criminal sexual conduct charges in this state are categorized based on the degree of force involved, the age of the alleged victim, and the specific circumstances of the case.
| Charge | Statute | What It Covers | Max Sentence | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree | § 609.342 | Sexual penetration with force, coercion, or against a minor under 13 | 30 yrs / $40k | Felony |
| Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree | § 609.343 | Sexual contact with force, coercion, or involving a minor under 13 | 25 yrs / $35k | Felony |
| Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree | § 609.344 | Sexual penetration with a minor aged 13 to 15 or through coercion | 15 yrs / $30k | Felony |
| Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree | § 609.345 | Sexual contact with a minor aged 13 to 15, or through coercion | 10 yrs / $20k | Felony |
| Criminal Sexual Conduct 5th Degree | § 609.3451 | Nonconsensual sexual contact without aggravating circumstances | 1 yr / $3k | Misdemeanor / Felony |
| Solicitation of a Minor | § 609.352 | Soliciting a person under 18 for sexual conduct | 3 yrs / $5k | Felony |
| Sex Trafficking | § 609.322 | Recruiting or controlling another person for commercial sex acts | 25 yrs / $50k | Felony |
Actions That Can Worsen Your Case
- The alleged victim was a minor under the age of 13
- Use of force, threats, or a dangerous weapon
- Defendant held a position of authority over the victim
- The offense involved multiple incidents over a period of time
- Prior conviction for a criminal sexual conduct offense
- The victim suffered significant physical or psychological harm
- Offense involved the use of alcohol or controlled substances
Impact That Extends Beyond Jail Time
- Mandatory sex offender registration under Minn. Stat. § 243.166
- Permanent felony record affecting employment and housing
- Lifetime supervision conditions in certain conviction categories
- Loss of firearm rights under state and federal law
- Deportation risk or visa denial for non-citizens
- Restrictions on residing near schools or childcare facilities
- Civil lawsuits filed by the alleged victim or their family
NOTE: Final sentencing depends on the degree of offense, prior criminal history, and case-specific circumstances. A Minnesota sexual assault lawyer can review your case and identify stronger defense options.
DEFENSE STRATEGIES
How We Protect Clients Facing Sexual Offenses
Martine Law reviews all available evidence, communications, and case records early to build a defense grounded in the specific facts of your situation.
Consent as a Defense
Where the alleged conduct involved a willing adult participant, we present communications, prior interactions, and contextual evidence to support a consent-based defense position.
False or Fabricated Allegations
Sex offense accusations sometimes arise from personal conflicts, custody disputes, or other motivating factors. We go through the complainant’s history, prior statements, and relationships to identify inconsistencies.
Mistaken Identity
Not every identification is reliable. We challenge eyewitness accounts, review forensic evidence, and examine lineup procedures to dispute any misidentification of our client.
Lack of Criminal Intent
Some charges arise from misunderstandings rather than deliberate conduct. We present the full account of events to show that the alleged intent was absent or unsupported by the available facts.
Unlawful Search or Seizure
Physical or digital evidence obtained without proper legal authority cannot be used against you. We file suppression motions when constitutional violations occurred during the investigation.
Challenging Forensic Evidence
DNA and physical evidence must be properly collected, handled, and analyzed. We scrutinize lab procedures and chain-of-custody records to identify errors that undermine the prosecution’s evidence.
Witness Credibility Challenges
We review prior statements, personal relationships, and potential motivations to challenge witness testimony that appears inconsistent, biased, or unreliable.
Statute of Limitations
The state law sets specific time limits on when certain criminal sexual conduct can be filed. We examine whether the charges were brought within the legally permitted window for prosecution.
WHY CHOOSE US
What Sets Our Sexual Assault Defense Attorneys Apart
Statewide Courtroom Experience
Regular appearances in Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, and courts across the state.
Deep Judicial Insight
Martine Law understands how courts evaluate sex crimes and applies that knowledge directly to your defense strategy.
Evidence-First Approach
We act quickly to preserve digital communications, forensic records, and surveillance footage before evidence is lost or overwritten.
24/7 Legal Support
Allegations of this nature require fast, private, and strategic legal action. That’s why our legal support is available 24/7.
Under investigation for a sex offense? Get confidential legal help now. >
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
How a Sex Crime Case Moves Through Court
Understand how this state processes rape cases and other sexually violent crimes.
COMMON ISSUES
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between criminal sexual conduct degrees in Minnesota?
The degree of the charge depends on factors including the type of contact alleged, whether force was used, and the age of the alleged victim. Higher degrees mean longer jail times and stricter registration requirements.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Registration is mandatory for most criminal sexual assault convictions under the state law. The duration and conditions of registration depend on the offense level and any prior criminal cases on your record.
Can a sex offense be challenged if there is no physical evidence?
Yes. Many cases rely heavily on testimony alone. A sexual assault defense attorney can challenge the credibility of accounts, expose inconsistencies, and identify weaknesses in a case built primarily on statements.
How long does a criminal sexual conduct case typically take to resolve?
Most felony-level cases take 1 to 2 years, depending on case complexity, the volume of forensic evidence, and whether the matter proceeds to trial or resolves through negotiation before that point.
Can allegations be dropped before formal charges are filed?
In some situations, early legal intervention can affect whether charges are formally pursued. Contacting a sexual assault defense lawyer as soon as allegations arise gives you the best chance of influencing early decisions.
OTHER DEFENSE AREAS
Additional Criminal Defense Practice Areas We Handle
Sex Trafficking
Defense for charges involving the recruitment, transport, or exploitation of individuals for commercial sex acts.
Sexual Exploitation
Defense for exploitation of minors cases or non-consensual sexual conduct, including related digital or material offenses.
DON’T DELAY. ACT FAST.
Talk to a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Minnesota Today
Early legal involvement protects your rights and preserves critical evidence before it is lost or used against you.