Being accused of a sex offense in North Dakota can change your life forever. Those found guilty of sex crimes are often subjected to lengthy terms of imprisonment, must pay substantial fines, and are required to register as a sex offender for a period of time that may be as long as one’s life. In many instances, restitution must be paid to the victim. A select number of North Dakota criminal defense attorneys practice in this area of law and the number with experience handling sex offense cases is even less. If you have been accused of such a crime, you will need a lawyer who understands the intricacies involved in sex offense cases and how to defend you.
Sex crimes are prosecuted at extraordinarily high rates and the defenses available require careful planning and preparation. I have represented both criminal defendants accused of sex offenses and victims of sex crimes. Having been on both sides of the process enables a lawyer to understand what it takes to build a strong defense. Call or text 701-353-8021 for your free consultation. Failing to hire an attorney after being accused of a sex offense is among the biggest mistakes a North Dakota criminal defendant can make.
Consequences of North Dakota Sex Offenses
Additional Conditions of Probation/Parole
Courts virtually always impose additional conditions upon sex offenders. Such conditions can severely limits one’s ability to live out the daily routines of life. These conditions generally include not using the internet, staying away from schools and other places where children congregate, participating in a sex offender treatment program, not communicating with minors or adults with minor children in their household, submitting to polygraph examinations, and not leaving the state. Most individuals charged with a sex offense are closely monitored by their probation officer.
Registration Requirements
Low risk sex offenders must register for a period of 15 years, moderate risk sex offenders must register for a period of 25 years, and high-risk sex offenders must register for life. Risk levels can change but are determined by a group which include the Attorney General, department of corrections and rehabilitation, and mental health professionals. The registration period begins after the date of order deferring or suspending sentence upon a plea or finding of guilt, or after incarceration, whichever is later. Failing to register and/or update one’s probation officer can have additional, criminal consequences.
Economic and Social Consequences
Being charged with a sex offense can make obtaining employment and housing difficult. Many individuals who have been charged with sex offenses also report losing lines of communication with friends and family members due to the stigma of associating with a sex offender. The court will often order that individuals charged with sex crimes not communicate with minor children or anybody with minor children without the prior, written permission of the offender’s probation or parole officer. Individuals charged with sex offenses may be responsible for paying the costs associated with treatment and probation, in addition to court costs.
Date Rape
Child pornography
Corruption or Solicitation of Minors
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Contribution to the Deprivation or Delinquency of a Minor (Sex Offenses)
Luring minors by computer or other electronic means
Sexual assault against a minor
Fornication
Incest
Deviate sexual act
Sexual extortion