Football Season Cancelled After Players Accused of Sexually Assaulting–Their Own Teammates

Seven juveniles have been arrested for sexually hazing football teammates who were freshmen football players. The accused players harassed and intimidated four younger players over a ten day period. They turned the lights off and sexually harassed the younger students. There is at least one case of actual penetration. Three players are accused of aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, and conspiracy. The Sayreville War Memorial High School have now cancelled the rest of its football season. The students charged are between 15 and 17 years old. They allegedly held students against their will and improperly touched them.

If convicted, the players would have to be listed as a predatory offender or sex offender.  If charged as adults, they could be looking at 30 years in prison. If they are charged as juveniles, they might serve less than a year in jail. The police are now also looking into the coach at the school. This case has gained attention throughout the country.

In Minnesota, certain crime require predatory offender or sex offender registration. Those include: criminal sexual conduct and felony level indecent exposure, kidnapping and false imprisonment, soliciting a minor to engage in prostitution or sexual conduct, using a minor in a sexual performance, and possession of pictorial representation of minor. If convicted of any of the above offenses, a minimum of ten years is required. However, some offenders have to register for life. If convicted of failure to register, a five year additional term can be added along with additional prison time.

If you facing sexual assault allegations, contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys. If you are facing a charge that requires predatory offender registration, contact a Mankato, MN criminal defense attorney. Max Keller is a criminal defense attorney in Mankato, MN. He also practices throughout the state of Minnesota and travels around the state defending his clients. Call 952-913-1421 if you are in need of a Mankato, MN criminal defense attorney. Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys also offers a free consultation.

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

You may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer even if you have not been charged. A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights when law enforcement officers are investigating you for a crime. Without a lawyer, you might say something that could be incriminating or misconstrued. Your lawyer can engage with the police or the prosecutors and provide evidence that prevents them from filing formal charges. Your lawyer can also go through your case and prepare a defense strategy if there is a possibility of you getting charged.
People arrested or charged with a crime may wonder, “How long do I have to get a criminal lawyer?” There is no strict deadline to hire a criminal lawyer in Minnesota. However, it’s advisable to hire one immediately if you get arrested, charged, or are under investigation for a crime. Getting legal representation on time protects you from making mistakes that can compromise your case. It also allows your lawyer to build a solid defense strategy that can increase your likelihood of getting a positive outcome from your case.
Continuance is what a court grants to delay proceedings. The parties in a criminal case (the prosecution and defense teams) may agree to a continuance to get more time to prepare for the proceedings. There are many reasons that push your defense lawyer in Minnesota to seek a continuance. A good example is when the other party presents surprise witnesses or evidence, requiring more time to work on a new defense. You can also request a continuance if you want to replace your lawyer, especially if you feel you are not getting sufficient representation.