Juvenile Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in St. Paul
If your child has been accused of a sexual offense in Minnesota, you’re likely overwhelmed—by fear, confusion, and the worry that one allegation could change their entire future. I am juvenile criminal defense attorney Charles Gerlach, and I’m here to help.
As a former prosecutor with more than 25 years of experience and 120+ jury trials, I defend young people across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota charged with juvenile crimes, focusing on protecting their rights, their privacy, and their future.
Juvenile sex cases demand calm, skilled advocacy. I explain the process in plain English, guide your family step by step, and challenge the evidence early. If it’s easier on your family, I can meet you at your home. Your consultation is free and confidential.
What Counts As A Juvenile Sex Crime In Minnesota?
Juvenile “sex crimes” usually involve allegations under Minnesota’s Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) and related statutes, including:
- Criminal Sexual Conduct (1st–5th degree)
- Sexual contact between minors (age-based issues, “Romeo and Juliet” scenarios)
- Sexting, sharing explicit images, or possession of explicit images of peers
- Indecent exposure
- Interference with privacy (e.g., covert photos/video)
- Internet/phone allegations: texts, DMs, images, cloud backups
Every case turns on details: ages, consent issues, prior communication, intoxication, and what the digital trail actually shows. As a former prosecutor, I know how the state builds these cases—and where the weaknesses often are.
What’s At Stake In Juvenile Sex Cases
Some of the possible repercussions and penalties associated with a conviction include:
- Detention and restrictive release conditions
- School discipline, suspension, or expulsion
- No-contact orders that affect family logistics and friend groups
- Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction (EJJ) with a stayed adult sentence
- Adult certification (being tried as an adult in serious cases)
- Potential sex offender registration in certain outcomes
- Lasting impacts on college admissions, housing, employment, and licensure
How I Can Help You
- Early intervention: If police, a school, or a social worker has contacted your child, call me before anyone gives a statement. I handle detective calls, pre-charge investigations, and search warrants, protecting your child’s rights from the start.
- Evidence-driven review: We examine the state’s theory, give context to messages and social media, and challenge suggestive interviews or unreliable identifications.
- Forensic scrutiny: Digital forensics (phones, apps, cloud), medical findings, SANE reports, and metadata require careful, expert‑informed analysis.
- Interview integrity: Children and teens are vulnerable to suggestive questions. I assess forensic interview protocols and move to exclude statements taken improperly.
- School and CPS coordination: I guide you on navigating school discipline and child protection involvement while protecting the criminal case.
- Tailored mitigation: Where appropriate, we develop age‑appropriate counseling, evaluations, and safety plans to demonstrate insight and reduce risk in the court’s eyes.
- Trial‑readiness: With 120+ jury trials, I prepare every case for the possibility of trial while pursuing dismissals, charge reductions, or diversion when that best serves your child.
I will fight to keep your case in juvenile court by highlighting your child’s developmental stage, school support, and family stability, presenting a concrete plan for treatment, supervision, and accountability, and contesting weak or unreliable state evidence at the certification stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Sex Crimes
Q: Will my child have to register as a sex offender?
A: Registration depends on the charge and outcome. Many juvenile resolutions avoid registration. I’ll explain your options and work to protect your child from long-term registration requirements whenever possible.
Q: Can the record be sealed?
A: Juvenile matters are generally confidential, and record sealing/expungement may be available. I plan for this from day one.
Q: Do we talk to the police?
A: Not without counsel. Even well‑meaning teens can harm their case. I manage communications to protect your child’s rights.
Q: What if the accusation is false or exaggerated?
A: We investigate thoroughly—digital context, timelines, motives, and interview reliability—and pursue dismissal or acquittal where appropriate.
Q: What if both kids are minors and there was consent?
A: Minnesota’s age‑based laws are complex. I analyze the exact ages, communications, and context to seek the least harmful outcome or dismissal.
Contact Me Today: Free, Confidential Consultation
If your child is under investigation or charged with a sex offense in St. Paul, Minneapolis, or anywhere in Minnesota, call me at 952-952-9723 or contact me online for a free, confidential consultation. If it’s easier, I can meet you at your home. Your child’s future matters. Let’s protect it together.