Minnesota Rape Defense Lawyer

Last updated on May 14, 2025

Facing rape allegations in St. Paul or the Twin Cities can be overwhelming and frightening. My name is Charles Gerlach and as an attorney with over 25 years of criminal defense experience, I understand the gravity of these charges and their potential impact on your life.

At Gerlach Law, I provide thorough, discreet representation for individuals accused of sexual offenses throughout Minnesota, working to protect your rights and future during this difficult time.

Understanding Rape Charges In Minnesota

Minnesota law categorizes rape under “criminal sexual conduct” statutes with offenses divided into five degrees based on several factors:

• First-degree: Involves penetration with aggravating factors like force, fear or victim incapacity
• Second-degree: Involves sexual contact with similar aggravating factors
• Third-degree: Involves penetration with less severe circumstances
• Fourth-degree: Involves sexual contact under less severe circumstances
• Fifth-degree: Involves nonconsensual sexual contact or lewd exhibition

My sexual assault defense approach begins with a complete analysis of the specific allegations and statutory elements involved in your case. I carefully examine every aspect of the rape allegations to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

The Consequences Of Rape Charges

Sexual violence charges can devastate your professional life in numerous ways. You may deal with:

• Mandatory sex offender registration, often for life
• Loss of professional licenses in fields like health care, education or law
• Difficulty finding employment with background checks
• Restrictions on where you can work, especially near schools or childcare facilities
• Potential loss of voting rights and other civil liberties

Meanwhile, the personal impact of these allegations extends far beyond the courtroom. These can include:

• Strained or destroyed family relationships
• Housing restrictions limiting where you can live
• Social stigma and community ostracism
• Severe limitations on participating in children’s activities
• Cases involving intimate partner violence may result in protective orders separating you from your home and family

I understand these far-reaching consequences and work diligently to address both the legal case and its impact on your life.

Defense Strategies For Rape Charges

As your rape defense lawyer, I develop strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of your case, whether involving date rape accusations, consent disputes or false allegations. My approach includes:

• Challenging inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements
• Analyzing forensic evidence for collection or testing flaws
• Investigating potential motives for false accusations
• Addressing constitutional violations in police procedures
• Examining all communications between parties before and after the alleged incident
• Presenting alternative explanations for physical evidence

Questioning evidence is a key part of defending sexual assault cases. As your rape defense attorney, I team up with skilled investigators to closely examine DNA results, medical reports and other technical evidence.

When someone claims sexual contact happened without consent, I dig deep into exactly what occurred. For sexual misconduct or sexual coercion allegations, I combine careful legal analysis with a real understanding of how human relationships work.

How Does Consent Factor Into Rape And Sexual Assault Cases?

In Minnesota sexual assault cases, consent is usually the main issue. The law says consent means someone freely agrees to sexual activity. A person cannot legally consent if they’re too drunk or high to think clearly.

I carefully look at all the communication between you and the accuser – both what was said and body language. This helps me create a clear picture of what really happened between you two and when it happened.

How Can Someone Defend Against False Allegations Of Rape Or Sexual Assault?

Defending against false allegations requires gathering evidence that contradicts the accuser’s version of events. This may include text messages, social media communications, witness statements and evidence of motive to fabricate charges.

I work quickly to preserve digital evidence and identify witnesses whose recollections may fade over time.

What Evidence Is Typically Used In Rape Or Sexual Assault Cases?

In rape cases, prosecutors use several types of evidence. These could be:

• Medical exam results
• DNA testing
• What witnesses say happened
• What the accuser says happened
• Clothing from the incident
• Text messages and emails between the people involved
• Video recordings that might show what happened

I look closely at all this evidence to find problems. Was it collected properly? Could it mean something different than what prosecutors claim? I search for any details that help tell your side of the story.

Contact Me For A Confidential Consultation

If you’re facing rape or sexual assault charges in St. Paul or the Twin Cities, immediate legal representation is crucial. Reach out to my firm, Gerlach Law, at 952-952-9723 or via this form for a private consultation about your case. I provide respectful, judgment-free defense counsel focused on protecting your rights and future.