Sexual Misconduct Attorney in Minneapolis
Skilled Defense in Minnesota for Very Serious Accusations
Sexual misconduct is a very serious crime. When proven guilty, an individual can experience punishments and fines that are quite harsh. Amongst these punishments is registration as a sex offender. This results in difficulty getting a job and finding a place to live, with your neighbors having to be notified of your status when you do move into the neighborhood.
As for what constitutes sexual misconduct, it is defined as a sexual act between a person in a position of superiority and a subordinate. This is the definition frequently used when a teacher has a sexual relationship with a student, employers with employees, or doctors with patients. The sexual conduct is not always illegal, but it violates a code of ethics.
To find out more, contact our Minneapolis sexual misconduct attorneys at (612) 200-1526. We offer free, confidential case evaluations.
When Sexual Misconduct Is Committed
There are several instances in which sexual misconduct may be committed. A doctor or home health nurse may inappropriately touch an anesthetized patient or someone in their care. Teachers have been convicted of sexual misconduct by "sexting" a student, making improper gestures, touching, making sexual comments or having an actual sexual relationship with the student. If the student is a minor, then the offense and its consequences could become even more severe.
Here are examples of sexual misconduct:
- Rape of a sleeping or anesthetized hospital patient
- Use of hypnosis, drugs, or alcohol to diminish the victim's resistance
- Statutory rape, which is rape committed on a minor, or sex by fraud; sex by fraud is committed when a person may be inappropriately touched during a genital, pelvic, or breast exam
- Sneaky sex, which is a surreptitious touch committed during a permitted act, such as hugging; it also involves spying on someone while they are undressing
As far as individuals who may tend to be accused of misconduct, in addition to those in the medical and teaching professions are members of the clergy. There has been a rise in accusations against the clergy by adults who have stated they were inappropriately touched as children.
Degrees of Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct is categorized by five degrees: first, second, third, fourth, and fifth-degree sexual misconduct. First degree is the most severe with fifth being the least. The most severe offense leads to the most time in prison, which can be up to 12 years.
A sexual misconduct case will be tried in front of a jury in which the victim must testify. In your case, your Minneapolis sexual misconduct attorney will be working hard for you. Your criminal defense attorney looks for inconsistencies and holes in the testimony of any witnesses, including the victim. A strategic approach has to be used because the law is very strict in this area. However, the law allows you the right to a trial because you are innocent until proven guilty.
Contact Our Office Today
If you have been accused of sexual misconduct, do not give in to the charges. You have a right to fight for the best possible outcome in your case, which can include dismissed or reduced charges and consequences. You need to have an attorney on your side who is familiar with the law and how it can work for you.
Real Results. Real Clients.
Trusted by Clients Across Minnesota
-
“Not only did Steve fight to minimize the damage of my felony arrest, he and his team genuinely took interest in helping me get back to a normal life away from one of a narcotics abuser. I have taken his advice and wisdom with me to this day, and couldn&rsq”- Scott H.
-
“I found myself lost in a sea of unrelenting hope. My life in ruins, my future bleak with little chance of redemption. With nothing left to live for I sought out someone who could defend me, little did I know how he would change my life forever. Steve Meshb”- Michael M.
-
“Following my son being arrested I called Steve Meshbesher on a Saturday afternoon. We met an hour later at his office. Steve and his staff at Meshbesher & Associates were very helpful and organized. Steve is an incredibly talented criminal defense atto”- Connie
-
“Steve Meshbesher is by far the best Lawyer MN has ever seen. I used to toss and turn at night dealing with my criminal past, rest assured.... Steve will turn nightmares into beautiful dreams that you cannot even fathom.”- Chandler
-
“As the local police helped us with the case, Steve, completely on his own, checked to make sure that we were being treated well. Our only regret is that we did not contact him sooner.”- Allan and Jewell