Minneapolis MN Federal Crimes Attorney

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Birrell Law Firm PLLC, Criminal Defense Attorneys

333 South Seventh Street

Minneapolis, MN 55402

(612) 238-1939

ian@birrell.law


What is Criminal Sexual Conduct


The Minneapolis law classifies criminal sexual conduct into five levels, 1st degree to the 5th. Generally, the first and third-degree charges involve sexual penetration, while the second, fourth, and fifth entail sexual contact without penetration.


1st and 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct charges apply to action involving personal injury, the use of force, violence, or a weapon, plus when the victim is really young. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th degree usually involve less aggravated action in situations where the victim didn’t consent to sexual activity, was incapable physically or mentally to consent to the action, was relatively young or vulnerable.


What Penalties Apply to Minneapolis, MN Sexual Conduct?


1st Degree


This charge involves sexual penetration or particular sexual contact with a person under the age of 13. The maximum penalty issued by statute is 30 years in prison and a $40,000 fine.


2nd Degree


This charge involves sexual contact with a maximum penalty of $35,000 and 25 years in jail.


3rd Degree


This charge involves sexual penetration with an individual between ages 16 and 18 and is mentally helpless, and the perpetrator uses force. The maximum penalty is $30,000 and 15 years in prison.


4th Degree


This charge involves sexual contact and the maximum penalty is 10 years and $20,000 fine.


5th Degree


This level of sexual conduct involves sexual contact with certain lewd conduct. The maximum penalty is one year in jail and $3000 fine. Continued misdemeanor can result in 5 years in jail and $10,000 in fine.


What does it mean to be the “target” of an investigation

First, you should understand what a “Target” means. When they are investigating potential charges, federal prosecutors and agents are told to put people they want to talk to into three categories: witnesses, subjects, and targets.

Witnesses are people who the government does not intend to charge with a crime. They do not see witnesses as having committed criminal acts, but they hope the witnesses will give them information to explain the situation they are investigating and point them in the direction of people they will charge with a crime.


Subjects are people who were involved in the situation in some way and who the government wants to get more information on. Government agents are told to classify someone as a subject if they are unsure whether they will charge them with a crime or not.

Targets are people for whom the prosecutor has “substantial evidence” linking them to the commission of the crime they are investigating. Prosecutors are not supposed to call someone a target unless they anticipate charging them with a crime – therefore if you are a “target” (having received a federal target letter), then the government already thinks it has enough evidence to begin the criminal proceedings against you.

Levels Of Criminal Sexual Conduct In Minnesota


First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct


First degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) is considered the most serious of the five charges. It is a felony-level offense that involves sexual penetration and at least one of the following conditions:


The presence of a dangerous weapon

A victim younger than 13 and the defendant is at least three years older

The defendant is in a position of authority; the victim is between 13 and 16, and the defendant is at least four years old

The victim feared bodily harm

There was physical injury from the assault

Another person helped the defendant subdue the victim


Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct


Also a felony, second degree criminal sexual conduct involves the same circumstances as above, although sexual penetration does not occur. Fondling or handling of body parts typically leads to a second degree charge when one or more of the above factors are present. This is punishable by up to $35,000 in fines and up to 25 years in jail.


Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct


The tutor in the news story faces criminal sexual assault charges, which carries the potential penalties of up to $30,000 in fines and up to 15 years in prison. This involves sexual penetration in addition to the following circumstances:


The victim is under 13 and the defendant is no more than three years older

The victim is 13-15 years old and the defendant is between two and 10 years older

The defendant uses force or coercion to penetrate the victim

The defendant knows the victim is mentally or physically incapacitated


Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Assault


This charge is very similar to third degree CSC, but it doesn’t involve sexual penetration. This is still considered a felony-level offense, and can involve a fine of up to $20,000 and up to 10 years in prison.


Fifth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct


This is the only non-felony level charge of the bunch, although it can be upgraded to a felony if the offender has a previous conviction for CSC on their record. This charge involves non-consensual sexual contact, knowingly masturbating or exposing one’s genitals in the presence of a child under the age of 16. It is considered a gross misdemeanor offense punishable by fines up to $3,000 and up to one year in jail. Upgraded felony charges could lead to fines up to $14,000 and up to 7 years in jail.

State District Courts

In cases where a jury had been impaneled and a trial is under way, the trial will continue unless circumstances affecting the health or safety of those involved require the proceedings to be suspended. At this point, no new trials and no grand jury proceedings will be permitted before April 22, 2020. The Minnesota Supreme Court could issue another order modifying this timeframe and the restrictions included in its previous order at any time.


Adult criminal defendants who are in custody are still entitled to constitutionally-mandated hearings, such as first appearances, bail hearings, and omnibus hearings. Such hearings will still take place in courtrooms, but attorneys and defendants will be permitted to appear remotely via telephone or the use of video conferencing. All other proceedings in adult criminal cases are essentially on hold until April 22, 2020. Juvenile proceedings are subject to similar restrictions.

State Appellate Courts

All current matters before the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Minnesota Court of Appeals will go forward as scheduled. If necessary and appropriate for the case being heard, oral argument may take place remotely. The Supreme Court’s order permits appellate courts to extend court deadlines up to thirty days if reasonably dictated by the circumstances of a given case.

Minneapolis MN Federal Crimes Attorney

Wide Selection of Career Options


The benefits of being a lawyer include being able to select from a wide variety of career options in the public and private sector. If your calling is to make the world a safer place for you, your family, and everyone else, you may choose to become a criminal prosecutor. On the other hand, if you believe our criminal justice system is grounded on the principal that everyone is innocent until proven guilty and everyone has the right to competent legal counsel, you may choose to become a public defender. Of course, some people believe this but choose to be a criminal defense attorney in the private sector because private attorneys tend to earn a great deal more than attorneys in the public sector.

Minneapolis MN Federal Crimes Attorney Links

Do I still have a court hearing

Maybe yes, more likely no. Many court hearings scheduled from mid-March to May 4 have been cancelled. But some Minneapolis MN Federal Crimes Attorney and emergency hearings are still going on. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT YOUR COURT HEARING HAS BEEN POSTPONED, CONTACT Minneapolis MN Federal Crimes Attorney

THE COURT. Most in-custody matters shall continue to hold hearings in the courtroom (if live testimony is not required). The defendant and attorneys may, however, appear remotely, generally through the use of some sort of video or phone technology. Other emergency hearings shall continue in the courtroom including change-of-custody requests, guardianship, housing/eviction when public health or safety is at risk or when unlawful activities are alleged. Other hearings shall continue which involve an immediate liberty concern and when public or personal safety concerns are paramount, such as Orders for Protection. But even for people in custody, no new jury trials will begin prior to May 4, 2020. If your hearing was cancelled, there may not be a new date scheduled yet. You should receive notice of the new date when it is scheduled.

Will I get a warrant if I don’t go to court

If your criminal court hearing is still on the schedule and you do not appear in court, the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest. If you are a Petitioner in an Order for Protection and you do not appear at a scheduled hearing in court, your petition may be dismissed. If you are a Respondent in an Order for Protection and you do not appear at a scheduled hearing in court, an Order may be issued against you. If you cannot attend court due to a health or safety concern, CONTACT Minneapolis MN Federal Crimes Attorney


Minneapolis MN Federal Crimes Attorney Links

If the defendant does not appear on the date secured by the bail/bond, the bail/bond may be forfeited. This means that the person posting the bail will lose his/her money and a warrant will issue for the defendant’s arrest. If a third-party co-signed for the defendant’s bond, he/she may be liable for the full bond amount to the bond company.

If the defendant makes all court appearances and satisfies all the judge’s requirements, then the bail money is returned to the defendant. Under state law, posted bail becomes the property of the defendant and is not returned to third parties. Money paid to a bond company is a fee and not returned.

Minneapolis MN Federal Crimes Attorney

The Background and Experience of the Criminal Lawyer

Upon your first meeting with a criminal lawyer, it’s essential to find out whether s/he has experience in defending against similar charges. Some questions to ask are:


– Where did you study law school? Which year did you graduate?

– What’s the period you’ve been practicing criminal law?

– Do you often negotiate plea agreements with the specific prosecutor’s office? And how would you describe your relationship?

– How frequently do you appear in the specific courthouse that my case will be handled?

– Are you familiar enough with the charges against me? How often do you represent clients with similar charges in your practice?

– How frequently do your clients go to trial?

– Are you a member of any bar associations or any other professional organization? And if so, which ones?

Review of Your Case

Generally, whether accused of a crime in the state, county, or federal court, you will need your criminal defense attorney to inform you of what’s to come. Here are some relevant questions you should consider:

– What are my legal options? What are your recommendations?

– What potential issues do you expect with my case?

– What are the favorable aspects of my case?

– What should I expect at the various stages of the process, such as arraignment, motions hearing, filing of motions, disposition, and trial?

My Case Management

Lawyers often use the term “case management” to illustrate how a case’s logistics are dealt with. It is crucial to understand every single detail of your case to avoid misunderstandings. Here are some relevant questions:

– Will you be available to represent me?

– Is there anyone else who will work on my case? Can I meet them?

– If I have any inquiries, who do I call? Is it you or someone else?

– Will you be personally fighting for me in court, or will it be another person’s responsibility?

– How do you and your team prefer to be contacted? And how fast can I expect a response?

The Legal Fees

In most cases, criminal lawyers will charge per hour (hourly fee) or request for a flat fee. Since rates can be quite competitive, it’s prudent to shop around. Nonetheless, reputable lawyers might charge more. So, you need to decide if it would be better to pay more for an attorney or a reputable law firm, given the charges against you.

Private Attorneys: What Are Their Pros and Cons?

Private attorneys work for private law firms or as private entities and represent accused persons following interest by such individuals. Most people prefer choosing private attorneys, but the fees for their service may prove to be a hindrance. Even though the fee charged depends on the type of case and the projected workload in a case, the high fees associated with private lawyers is a notable downside of working with them.

Pros of Hiring a Private Lawyer

Dedication: Upon hiring, private lawyers will put everything behind your case to ensure that you win your case. What’s more, these are professionals who wish to maintain a clean record and will do anything to win their cases. If you are faced with criminal charges in a Minneapolis, MN court, hiring a private attorney may just be the best thing to do.

Communication: Unlike public defenders, private attorneys like to be in constant contact with their clients. They can be contacted via phone or consulted from their offices. This is especially important when they need to clarify issues before facing a judge. Their communication also comes in handy as it helps keep their clients updated in case of any developments with their case.

Resources: Accused persons pay for the services of private lawyers. This facilitates the private attorney in getting the best resources for the case: reliable witnesses, CCTV footage that may help with your case, and even private investigators. This allows them to build a strong defense, which is likely to result in victory for their client.

Contact Details


Birrell Law Firm PLLC, Criminal Defense Attorneys

333 South Seventh Street

Minneapolis, MN 55402

(612) 238-1939

ian@birrell.law