First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Criminal sexual conduct is one of the most serious category of charges in Minnesota. First degree criminal sexual conduct is the most serious of this category and can involve lengthy prison time - potentially even life in prison. First degree sexual conduct can be charged in a variety of circumstances:

• Sex or sexual contact with someone under the age of 13 if the defendant was more than 36 months older

• Sex with a person between 13 to 16 years old if the defendant was more than 48 months older

• Sex with a person under 16 years old if the defendant had a significant relationship with the victim

• The use or threat of great bodily harm was used to accomplish the sexual penetration of the victim

• The complainant suffered a personal injury during the non-consensual sexual encounter

A conviction for first degree criminal sexual conduct can result in up to 30 years in prison although it has a presumptive prison term of 144 months. In addition, a conviction for first degree criminal sexual conduct imposes mandatory sex offender registration and a period of conditional release after the sentence has been completed. These penalties are be long-lasting and rival the prison sentence itself in severity. If you have been accused of first degree criminal sexual conduct, it is important to immediately enlist legal representation. Call the Minnesota criminal defense attorneys at RAM Law for a free consultation to determine how best to protect yourself against this potentially devastating charge.