Statute of Limitations and Minnesota Sex Crimes

Minnesota sex crimes are some of the most aggressively prosecuted cases in the Minnesota criminal justice system. Further, its not just prison time but also probation and sexual predatory registration requirements that can be extraordinarily burdensome.  However, one very important issue that Minnesota Sex Crimes Lawyer Jack Rice has had to address again and again is the Statute of Limitations. 

The Statute of Limitations usually runs from the date of offense but there is an exception for Minnesota sex crimes.

The Statute of Limitations usually runs from the date of the offense. However, there is an exception for Minnesota sex crimes. Here, the Statute of Limitations may not begin to run until the police are actually notified. However, let’s be clear, it may not be as simple as you think. Because this issue is so important, it is critical you contact an experienced Minnesota Sex Crimes Lawyer to handle your case. It could make all of the difference. Jack Rice Defense has handled this and a multitude of other Minnesota sex crimes issues over the last 20 plus years.  

So, here is a general rundown of the current Statute of Limitations for Minnesota Sex Crimes.

Where DNA evidence has been collected and preserved, there is no Statute of Limitations under the following circumstances:

• The offense is 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct; and

• The offense took place on or after 8/1/00 or was still chargeable on 8/1/00.

Where DNA was not collected, Statute of Limitations depends upon the age of the complaining witness (victim):

Statute of Limitations for child complaining witness requirements (No DNA):  

• The offense is 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th degree criminal sexual conduct; and

• The complaint must be filed within 9 years after the date of the offense; OR

• The complaint must be filed within 3 years after the offense was reported to the police. This last element is critical because if the police were never notified, the statute of limitations may not begin to run which could mean unlimited exposure.

• If the offense is 5th degree criminal sexual conduct, the complaint must be filed within 3 years.

Statute of Limitations for adult complaining witness requirements (No DNA):

• The offense is 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct; and

• The complaint must be filed within 9 years.

• If the offense is 4th or 5th degree CSC, the complaint must be filed within 3 years.

When dealing with Minnesota Sex Crimes, it is important to consider false claims, false memories, identity issues, DNA limitations, position of authority, statute of limitations and many other possible defenses.

Minnesota Sex Crimes can result in the most catastrophic consequences imaginable. However, for the experienced Minnesota Sex Crimes Lawyer, there are many issues the must be looked at including false claims, false memories, identity issues, DNA limitations, position of authority, statute of limitation and many more. Jack is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and award winning Minnesota Sex Crimes Lawyer and has address all of these issues over a career in Minnesota courtrooms.  If you want to sit down for a free consultation, give Jack Rice Defense a call.