Eden Prairie Sex Crime Defense Lawyers

Accused of a Sex Crime in Eden Prairie, MN?

Sex crimes are among the most serious offenses in Minnesota. A conviction can lead to life-altering consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you have been accused of a sex crime, you need strong legal representation from an experienced criminal defense firm.

At Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A., our Eden Prairie sex crime defense lawyers have handled thousands of cases and have obtained dismissals and acquittals for thousands of clients. We have a proven track record of success and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Call (612) 444-5020 or contact us online today to request a free case review.

What is Considered a Sex Crime in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a sex crime refers to a criminal offense that involves sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior. These crimes can encompass a wide range of actions, from non-consensual sexual contact to child exploitation.

Here are some common sex crime charges in Minnesota:

• Rape: Also known as sexual assault, this involves engaging in sexual penetration without the victim's consent. It can include both physical force and situations where the victim is unable to give consent, such as due to intoxication or incapacity.
• Sexual Assault: This broader charge encompasses various forms of non-consensual sexual contact, which may not involve penetration. It can include unwanted touching or groping.
• Criminal Sexual Conduct: This charge covers a range of sexual offenses, with degrees of severity based on factors such as the use of force, the age of the victim, and the nature of the acts involved. There are four degrees of criminal sexual conduct, each with different elements and potential penalties.
• Sexual Exploitation of Minors: This charge involves creating, distributing, or possessing explicit sexual material involving minors. It includes child pornography offenses.
• Solicitation of Prostitution: Seeking to hire or engage in sexual acts with a prostitute can lead to this charge.
• Indecent Exposure: Exposing one's genitals in public or engaging in lewd behavior can result in this charge.
• Statutory Rape: Engaging in sexual activity with a minor, even if they appear to consent, is generally considered statutory rape if the minor is under the legal age of consent.
• Aggravated Sexual Assault: This is a more serious form of sexual assault that involves additional elements such as the use of a dangerous weapon or causing severe bodily harm.
• Sex Offender Registration: While not a charge in itself, individuals convicted of certain sex crimes are required to register as sex offenders, providing their information to law enforcement and the community.

Legal Defenses for Sex Crimes

Unfortunately, even merely being accused of a sex crime before stepping foot in court can have a negative impact on your professional reputation and personal life. That is why it is imperative to hire an experienced attorney who can help you develop a strong defense strategy to protect your rights, future, and freedom.

Defenses to sex crime allegations can vary widely, and some common ones include:

• Consent: If both parties involved in a sexual encounter gave voluntary and informed consent, it can serve as a strong defense against allegations of non-consensual sex. Consent means that both individuals willingly agreed to engage in the activity without any form of coercion, manipulation, or incapacitation.
• Mistaken Identity: In some cases, individuals may be wrongly accused due to mistaken identity. This could involve someone being misidentified as the perpetrator, especially if the incident occurred in a low-light setting or if there were other factors that led to confusion.
• Lack of Evidence: A defense attorney may argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations. This might include a lack of physical evidence, witnesses, or credible documentation that could corroborate the claims made by the alleged victim.
• False Accusations: Sometimes, false accusations are made due to various motives such as revenge, jealousy, personal vendettas, or attempts to gain an advantage in other legal matters. A defense strategy might involve demonstrating the alleged victim's credibility issues or ulterior motives.
• Alibi: An alibi defense involves presenting evidence that the accused was not at the location where the alleged crime took place at the time it supposedly occurred. This could involve providing witnesses, surveillance footage, or other evidence that places the accused elsewhere.
• Intoxication: If the accused was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the alleged incident and lacked the capacity to form the necessary intent, this could be used as a defense. However, it's important to note that voluntary intoxication is generally not a strong defense.
• Miscommunication: Sometimes, misunderstandings or miscommunication can lead to allegations of sex crimes. A defense may focus on showing that the parties involved had different perceptions or interpretations of the situation that led to the allegations.
• Age and Capacity: In cases involving statutory rape or similar offenses, a defense might center around the accused's belief that the alleged victim was of legal age or had the capacity to give consent. This defense would generally rely on demonstrating the accused's reasonable belief based on available information.
• Procedural Errors: If law enforcement or legal authorities mishandled evidence or violated the accused's rights during the investigation or arrest, a defense attorney might challenge the admissibility of evidence or the legality of the arrest.
• Character Witnesses: The defense might present witnesses who can attest to the accused's good character or reputation in order to counter the allegations. This can help create doubt about the likelihood of the accused committing the alleged crime.

Contact us today at (612) 444-5020 to schedule a free consultation.