Degrees of Sexual Assault and Their Punishments in Mankato, Minnesota

Legally reviewed by:
Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team
December 12, 2024

Many people do not realize that there are various types of sexual assaults that can take place. The term “sexual assault” is broad and can mean different things. The type of charge a person faces depends on the circumstances of the crime that was allegedly committed. In Minnesota, sexual assault is usually a felony or a gross misdemeanor charge. Contact our sexual assault lawyers in Mankato, Minnesota today if you are facing sexual assault charges.

The penalties for these charges depends on the level of the crime committed. In Minnesota, sexual assault is termed “criminal sexual conduct.”

The Levels of Criminal Sexual Conduct in Mankato, Minnesota

There are five degrees of criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota. Four of them are felony charges, and one is a misdemeanor.

First-degree sexual assault

First-degree sexual assault is defined as sexual penetration accompanied by at least one of the following conditions:

  • A dangerous weapon
  • The victim is younger than 13, and the defendant is at least three years older
  • The defendant is in a position of authority; the victim is 13 to 16 years of age and the defendant is at least four years older
  • The victim had a fear of bodily harm
  • There was a physical injury due to the assault
  • The defendant is helped by another person to make the victim submit
  • The defendant has a significant relationship with the victim (relative or adult who lives in the house), and the victim is under 16 at the time of the assault

A conviction of first-degree sexual assault can result n up to 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine. The defendant will be required to register as a sex offender, which will have lifelong consequences concerning housing, employment, and education.

Second-degree sexual assault

Second-degree sexual assault involves engaging in contact with the victim under similar circumstances to those listed above, but without sexual penetration. This may include touching the victim’s intimate areas, coercively touching another’s intimate parts, or touching over clothing.

This is a felony offense punishable by up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $35,000. The minimum sentence is 7.5 years in prison.

Third-degree sexual assault

Third-degree sexual assault involves sexual penetration under the following circumstances:

  • The victim is under 13 years of age, and the defendant is no more than three years older
  • The victim is 13-15 years old, and the defendant is more than two years older but no more than ten years older
  • The defendant uses force or coercion to penetrate the victim
  • The defendant knows the victim is mentally or physically incapacitated

This is a felony offense punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $30,000. If the victim is 13-15 and the defendant was not more than four years older but more than two years older, the maximum punishment is 5 years in prison.

Fourth-degree sexual assault

Fourth-degree sexual assault includes the same circumstances as third-degree sexual assault but without sexual penetration. It is classified as a felony offense, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Fifth-degree sexual assault

Fifth-degree sexual assault includes engaging in nonconsensual sexual contact or knowingly masturbating or exposing one’s genitals in the presence of a child under 16 years of age. The punishment misdemeanor offense is up to one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to $3,000. If the defendant has a prior conviction, this could become a felony offense punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $14,000.

Contact a Mankato Sexual Assault Attorney Today

If you are facing sexual assault charges do not hesitate to contact Knutson + Casey today. Our Mankato sexual assault lawyers are ready to help answer any of your questions and are prepared to work as hard as possible to get charges reduced, and in some cases, dismissed. Contact Knutson + Casey here or give us a call at 507-344-8888 today to see how we can help you.

FAQs For Degrees of Sexual Assault

What are the different degrees of sexual assault in Minnesota?

  • First-Degree Sexual Assault: Involves sexual penetration and at least one aggravating condition, such as the use of force, a victim under a certain age, or the presence of additional criminal factors.
  • Second-Degree Sexual Assault: Involves sexual contact without penetration, under circumstances similar to those in first-degree assault.
  • Third-Degree Sexual Assault: Involves sexual penetration under specific circumstances, such as lack of consent or coercion.
  • Fourth-Degree Sexual Assault: Involves sexual contact without penetration and is considered a felony offense.

Each degree carries different legal implications and penalties based on the severity and nature of the assault.

What are the different penalties for sexual assault in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the penalties for sexual assault vary by degree:

  • First-Degree Sexual Assault: This is the most severe and can result in life imprisonment or a fixed term of imprisonment, depending on the specifics of the case. Convictions can also include substantial fines.
  • Second-Degree Sexual Assault: Penalties can include imprisonment for up to 25 years and significant fines. The exact length of imprisonment depends on the details of the case and any aggravating factors.
  • Third-Degree Sexual Assault: This offense can lead to imprisonment for up to 15 years and fines. The sentence length depends on factors such as prior convictions and the specifics of the assault.
  • Fourth-Degree Sexual Assault: This is a felony offense with a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.

The penalties for each degree of sexual assault are determined by the severity of the offense and other related circumstances.

Knutson+Casey

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY

Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team

December 12, 2024

At Knutson+Casey, we take the time to understand each distinctive matter presented to us by a client in need of assistance. We make certain that our clients understand their options and can make informed decisions regarding the progress of their cases. We have 4 bar certified attorneys as well as 5 expert paralegals on staff to review all legal information and cases presented.