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What does a charge of criminal sexual misconduct mean? Ask a Minneapolis criminal defense attorney

On Behalf of | May 14, 2015 | Firm News |

A man who is allegedly responsible for attacking two women on a Minneapolis parking ramp was arrested recently. According to local news reports, he was charged with multiple counts of first-degree and second-degree criminal sexual conduct for these separate incidents.

What do these charges mean?

Different degrees of criminal sexual conduct

Minnesota has five different degrees of criminal sexual conduct. The differences between degrees of criminal sexual conduct include a number of factors, such as the following:

  • The age of the victim, and the age of the attacker relative to the victim.
  • Whether or not there was sexual penetration.
  • Whether or not there was the use of force or threats, a weapon, or fear of great bodily harm.
  • Whether or not the attacker has some kind of relationship of authority over the victim.

In this recent case in Minneapolis, the suspect apparently raped one of the victims in her car while also hitting her on the face. He didn’t rape the other victim, but he came into contact with her in a sexual way. Both his victims picked him out from a police lineup.

Consequences

There are numerous consequences for being found guilty of criminal sexual misconduct, ranging from prison time to being registered as a sex offender.  It’s important that if you face these charges, you contact an experienced Minneapolis criminal defense attorney.

It’s possible that you’re innocent of the crimes, or that the charges don’t match up with what actually happened. Your attorney will carefully examine and question all the evidence brought against you so that you have the best chance possible of a favorable outcome in court.