Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor?

Sexual exploitation of a minor is a federal offense and severe penalties can apply if an offender is convicted of the crime.

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Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Sexual exploitation of a minor, a person under the legal age of 18, is a federal crime punishable by severe penalties. Sometimes referred to as sex trafficking, such crimes involve sexual exploitation of children for economic gain. Most victims of sexual exploitation are teens and young adults, but some victims are children as young as eight years old. All crimes require an offender to face charges in federal court. Generally, the younger the victim, the harsher the punishment.

Sexual exploitation in Minnesota takes different forms and often involves acts of physical abuse, prostitution, watching or participating in pornography, and illegal smuggling of children for illicit purposes and profits. Teenagers and young people are particularly vulnerable to sex traffickers, especially if they are homeless and living on the streets. More than 50% of homeless youths regularly participate in sex acts in exchange for money, food, or shelter.

In 2015, Minnesota’s sex trafficking rate was the third-highest in the country. Stings and arrests broke up rings that involved many young children who were forced into prostitution or sold to dangerous buyers as personal property. A common form of sex trafficking seen by Minnesota sex crime attorneys is Child prostitution, where traffickers profit from illegal sexual acts. Sex traffickers use various coercion tactics like threats of physical violence, rape, social isolation, drugs, and withholding food to keep victims from seeking help.

It’s estimated that thousands of minors are sexually exploited every year in the United States. Between 1998 and 2004, there were 300,000 hotline tips regarding child sexual exploitation. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) estimates that one in five girls and one in ten boys under the age of 18 are sexually exploited every year, and less than 35% of cases get reported.

In Minnesota, sexual exploitation of a minor is considered a Class 2 felony. If convicted of charges, an offender can face fines up to $5,000 and a prison sentence up to three years, or both. A Minneapolis sex crime attorney with experience in sex crime cases can work with the court to get a reduction in charges, especially if it’s a first offense. If it is a repeat offense, or if the victim is younger than 15, charges and penalties will likely be greater.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Digital Evidence in Sex Crime Cases: How Your Online Activity Can Be Used Against You in Minnesota

Prosecutors in Minnesota use digital evidence in sex crime cases to connect suspects to crimes. They analyze the chronological order of online events and statements to show intent, motive, or premeditation. The common types of evidence used in sex crime investigations include direct, actual, and circumstantial evidence.

Can You Be Charged With a DUI If You’re Sleeping in Your Car in Minnesota?

One of the questions DUI lawyers in the state often answer is: Can you be charged with a DUI if you’re sleeping in your car? You can face DUI charges in Minnesota even if you are not actively operating your car. The “physical control” law states that anyone with the capacity to drive a vehicle while intoxicated can get arrested and charged with DUI.

How Prosecutors Use Text Messages in Minnesota Drug Cases

Prosecutors use text messages in Minnesota drug cases to prove circumstantial evidence. Text messages can prove intent or motive to distribute drugs. Knowing how your text messages may be used against you in a drug crime case can help you plan an effective defense strategy. That’s why you should involve a Minnesota drug crime attorney immediately after you get arrested, charged, or discover the police are investigating you for a drug crime. Your lawyer can carefully examine your text messages and determine the best way to counter the prosecution’s case.