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What is Consent to Sexual Conduct? Sex crimes

What is Consent to Sexual Conduct?

3 years ago by Brian
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Being convicted of a sex crime in Minnesota can lead to serious consequences, including jail time and possible lifetime registry on a sex offender list. If you have been charged with a Minnesota sex crime, it is imperative that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. 

Pursuant to the Criminal Code for the State of Minnesota, sex crimes are classified into varying degrees based upon their seriousness. A first-degree sex offense is the most serious – and carries the most significant penalties upon conviction – while a fifth-degree sex offense is the least serious. Depending upon the degree of the sex offense and the seriousness of the charge, you or your lawyer may be able to raise a legal defense in court. In some cases, for example, you could allege that the victim consented to the sexual conduct or contact. 

Although consent is a valid legal defense in some circumstances, it does not apply in others. The knowledgeable Woodbury sex crimes lawyers at JS Defense, PA, determine if you could raise consent as a legal defense to your criminal charge. If so, we can help you assert that legal defense at trial and pursue the best possible result on your behalf. Please give us a call today to learn more about how our legal team could help defend you against your pending criminal charge.  

What is Consent in the Context of Minnesota Sex Crimes? 

When it comes to sex crimes, consent is sometimes a defense, depending upon the facts and circumstances. The legal defense of consent refers to actions or words that a person (the alleged victim of the sex crime) freely gives that demonstrate his or her present willingness to take part in a sex act with the accused individual. In many sex crime cases, the primary issue is whether or not the alleged victim freely consented to the sexual act – especially when the case involves two individuals who know one another.  

Situations Where the Alleged Victim’s Consent is not a Defense to the Sex Crime

In some situations, consent is not a valid legal defense to a sex crime – even where the alleged victim freely gives his or her consent. For example, if the alleged victim is below a certain age or where there is a certain age difference between the accused and the victim, consent is not a defense. Moreover, consent is not a defense if the accused is an authority figure and is a certain number of months or years older than the alleged victim. You always want to discuss the possibility of a consent defense with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who handles sex crime cases in Minnesota.

Talk to an Experienced Woodbury Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

The knowledgeable legal team at JS Defense, PA, can help you determine if consent is a valid legal defense to your pending criminal charge. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Woodbury sex crimes attorney, please call us today at (651) 968-9652 or contact us online for more information. 


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