Child Molestation Attorney in Minneapolis

Serious Defense For Life-Changing Allegations

Few situations are more frightening than learning that you or someone you love is being accused of a sexual offense involving a child. In a moment, your freedom, your family relationships, and your reputation in the community can all feel at risk. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our child molestation attorneys in Minneapolis defend people facing child sex offense allegations in this area, and we understand how high the stakes are.

Our firm is a veteran-led Minneapolis criminal defense practice that has focused on protecting individuals accused of serious crimes under Minnesota and federal law since 2010. Our attorneys bring more than 30 years of combined criminal defense experience to every case, and we regularly handle complex, high-stakes felonies. If you need a child molestation lawyer Minneapolis residents can trust to take their situation seriously, we are ready to talk with you in a free, confidential consultation.

We know this is likely your first time dealing with the criminal justice system and that you may feel overwhelmed, ashamed, and unsure where to turn. Our goal is to provide steady guidance, clear information, and determined advocacy so you can make informed decisions about your future.

To discuss your situation with a dedicated child molestation attorney in Minneapolis, call (612) 979-1112 or contact us online today.

Why Turn To Our Minneapolis Defense Team For Child Molestation Charges

When you are accused of a crime involving a child, you cannot afford to work with a child molestation attorney in Minneapolis who is learning as they go. These cases involve complex laws, sensitive evidence, and intense emotions, and they often move quickly in the courts. Our attorneys have more than three decades of combined experience in criminal defense and have been representing clients in Minnesota courts since our firm opened in 2010.

Our team is led by a Minneapolis criminal defense attorney who holds a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and has been repeatedly recognized by Minnesota Super Lawyers every year since 2011. In addition, our leadership includes a former President of the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. These honors come from our peers in the legal community and reflect years of serious trial work, thoughtful advocacy, and commitment to defending the accused.

We bring that experience to bear in cases involving child molestation accusations. Over the years, our seasoned trial attorneys have secured charge reductions, case dismissals, and not guilty verdicts in many serious matters. While past results cannot predict future outcomes, they show that we know how to dig into the details, challenge the state’s case, and present a strong defense when everything is on the line.

Equally important, we pride ourselves on responsive communication and tailored advocacy. Our child molestation attorneys in Minneapolis take the time to listen to your side of the story, answer your questions, and explain each step of the process. You are not just a file to us. You are a person facing one of the most difficult experiences of your life, and we treat you with the respect and attention that reality deserves.

The Reality Of Child Molestation Allegations In The Minneapolis Area

Allegations of sexual contact or abuse involving a minor are among the most serious charges in Minnesota. Depending on the specific statute and the facts alleged, people can face lengthy prison sentences, long terms of probation, and years of sex offender registration if they are convicted. Even before any conviction, a simple allegation can trigger immediate fallout such as no contact orders, forced separation from children, job loss, and public scrutiny.

These cases often begin with a report to law enforcement or child protection. A child, parent, teacher, medical provider, or another adult may make a report, which can lead to interviews of the child, home visits, and a rapid criminal investigation. In this part of Minnesota, cases that involve sexual allegations against children are frequently handled through Hennepin County and may be assigned to prosecutorial units that focus on child abuse or sex crimes. This can increase the intensity and attention given to your case from the beginning.

The consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. A conviction can limit employment opportunities, affect housing, and complicate any role you might have as a parent or caregiver. Even an accusation that ends without conviction can leave lasting damage to relationships and reputation. Our child molestation attorneys in Minneapolis understand that you are not only worried about legal penalties, but also about how to protect your family and rebuild your life if your name has been connected to these allegations.

Facing this reality is difficult, but you do not have to face it alone. Early legal guidance can help you understand what is happening, what to expect, and what options may be available to protect your rights and future.

What To Do If You Are Accused Of A Child Sex Offense

When you first learn that you are under investigation or that charges may be coming, it is natural to want to explain yourself. You may feel that if you just talk to the officer, the social worker, or the child’s family, they will understand your side of the story. Unfortunately, attempts to explain can easily be misunderstood or misused in a criminal case.

One of the most important steps you can take is to avoid speaking with police, child protection workers, or investigators about the allegations without a lawyer present. Officers and agency staff are gathering information to build a case. Even innocent people can say things under stress that are later quoted out of context or treated as admissions. It is almost always safer to consult with an attorney first, then decide how to respond.

It is also critical not to contact the accuser or their family, even if you feel hurt or betrayed, and to avoid posting about the situation on social media. Attempts to reach out can be seen as intimidation or tampering, and online statements rarely help a defense. Instead, focus on staying calm, following any court orders that are issued, and gathering information that may be relevant to your defense.

If you have text messages, emails, social media conversations, or other records that could shed light on the relationship or timeline, preserve them as they are. Do not delete or alter anything, even if it seems unhelpful. What matters is that an attorney can review the full picture and decide what may support your defense.

Finally, contact a qualified defense firm as soon as you can. A child molestation attorney Minneapolis residents call in at an early stage can begin protecting your rights, guiding you on what to say and what not to say, and preparing for the steps that may follow. At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., we offer free, confidential consultations, so you can speak with an attorney and get clear information before you make decisions that affect the rest of your life.

How Our Child Molestation Attorneys in Minneapolis Defend Against Child Molestation Charges

Every case is different, but serious child sex offense allegations require careful, methodical defense work. When we take on this kind of case, we begin by gathering and reviewing all available evidence, including reports, witness statements, recorded interviews, digital communications, and any forensic or medical records. We look for what the state has, what may be missing, and where important questions have not been asked.

Allegations involving children often depend heavily on statements and memories. Our attorneys pay close attention to how a child’s account was obtained and how it has changed over time. Factors such as the wording of interview questions, the number of times a child has been interviewed, and the involvement of other adults can affect a child’s recollection and the reliability of their statements. When appropriate, we work to highlight inconsistencies, suggestibility issues, or outside influences that may have shaped the story.

We also examine whether your constitutional rights have been respected. This can include looking at how any searches were conducted, how interviews were handled, and whether you were properly informed of your rights before questioning. If we identify legal problems with how evidence was obtained, we can bring those issues to the court through appropriate motions.

Throughout this process, we prepare for both negotiation and trial. Some cases may resolve through plea discussions that reduce charges or potential penalties. Others must be fought at trial, where the state’s evidence is tested in front of a jury. As seasoned child molestation attorneys in Minneapolis, we are comfortable in the courtroom and work to present your defense clearly and forcefully when a trial is in your best interest.

We do not build a defense in a vacuum. We work closely with you to understand your history, your relationships, and any factors that may matter in your case, including mental health or trauma. Over the years, our work has contributed to many clients achieving charge reductions, dismissals, or not guilty verdicts in serious criminal matters. While no attorney can promise an outcome, our record shows that we are committed to doing the hard work that serious defense requires.

Special Considerations For Veterans Facing Child Sex Offense Allegations

As a veteran-led firm, we have a particular commitment to defending service members and former service members who find themselves accused of crimes, including sex offenses involving children. We know that military life brings unique stresses, from deployments and combat exposure to family separations and service-related injuries. When a veteran faces criminal charges, those experiences can affect not only how the case is viewed but also what options may be available.

Our attorneys are veterans themselves and have been deeply involved in efforts to improve how the legal system treats veterans with service-related psychological injuries. We have contributed to the development of Minnesota laws that favor treatment over incarceration for veterans in certain situations. This experience gives us a strong grounding in how to raise service-related issues in appropriate cases and how to advocate for outcomes that consider the full context of a veteran’s life.

In a child sex offense case, we look carefully at how your military history, mental health, and current struggles intersect with the allegations. We may, when appropriate, present information about trauma, PTSD, or other service-related conditions as part of negotiations or sentencing advocacy. Our goal is to help the court see you as a whole person, not just as a set of charges on paper.

Our child molestation attorneys in Minneapolis also understand the added concerns that veterans carry, such as the potential impact of charges on security clearances, military careers, and VA benefits. While those issues involve systems beyond the criminal court, we keep them in mind as we counsel you and discuss possible paths through your case. Whether you served recently or long ago, you can speak with us knowing that we respect your service and have spent our careers fighting for veterans in Minnesota courts.

What To Expect In A Minneapolis Child Molestation Case

Understanding the road ahead can make a frightening situation feel slightly more manageable. While every case is different, many child molestation cases in this area follow a similar general path. The specific court and timeline usually depend on where the alleged conduct occurred and how the case is charged, but many local cases are heard in Hennepin County District Court.

Cases often begin with an investigation that may take place before any arrest. Law enforcement and child protection agencies may interview the child and other witnesses, and may request to speak with you. If officers believe there is probable cause for charges, you may be arrested or summoned to court. The first court appearance, often called a first appearance or arraignment, typically involves being informed of the charges and conditions of release. Bail, no contact orders, and restrictions on where you can live or whom you can see are common concerns at this stage.

After the initial hearing, cases usually move into a pretrial phase. This is when your attorney requests evidence from the prosecution, reviews reports and recordings, and begins identifying legal and factual issues. Pretrial conferences with prosecutors and the court can address scheduling, discovery disputes, and potential resolution discussions. In some situations, there may be motions hearings where the court decides whether certain evidence can be used at trial.

If the case does not resolve through a plea agreement, it will proceed to trial. A jury trial in a child molestation case is a serious and demanding process. Jurors bring strong emotions to allegations involving children, and the presentation of evidence must be thoughtful and precise. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience in Minnesota courts and work to prepare both the legal arguments and the human story that the jury will hear.

Throughout each stage, Our child molestation attorneys in Minneapolis stay in close contact with our clients. We explain what is coming next, what decisions need to be made, and what realistic options may be available. Our long-standing practice in local courts and our leadership in the Minnesota defense community have given us insight into how prosecutors and judges often view these cases, and we use that knowledge to help you navigate a very difficult process.

Call us at (612) 979-1112. We offer free, confidential consultations and work to provide clear guidance from the very first moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Talk to the Police If I Am Accused Of Molesting A Child?

In most situations, it is safer not to speak with the police about the allegations until you have met with a defense lawyer. Officers and investigators are trained to ask questions that may seem casual, but their goal is to gather information that can be used in a criminal case. Even if you know you are innocent, stress and confusion can lead to statements that are later taken out of context or portrayed as admissions.

When you talk with our attorneys first, we can help you understand your rights, evaluate whether it makes sense to provide any statement, and communicate with law enforcement on your behalf when needed. Exercising your right to remain silent is not an admission of guilt. It is a way to protect yourself in a system that is already moving against you.

What Penalties Could I Face For A Child Sex Offense In Minnesota?

Penalties for child sex offenses in Minnesota can be severe and depend on the specific statute, the age of the child, the nature of the alleged conduct, and your prior record. Many charges carry the possibility of years in prison and long periods of supervised release. Some offenses may involve mandatory minimum sentences if certain factors are present.

In addition to any jail or prison time, people convicted of these offenses often face probation conditions, treatment requirements, and strict rules about where they can live and work. Many offenses also require registration as a sex offender for a set number of years or, in some cases, longer. When we meet with you, we will explain the particular charges in your case and the range of potential outcomes under Minnesota law.

Will I Have To Register As A Sex Offender If I Am Convicted?

Sex offender registration in Minnesota depends on the exact offense of conviction and the circumstances of the case. Many child-related sex crimes trigger registration requirements that can last for many years. Registration can affect where you live, what jobs you can hold, and how law enforcement monitors your movements.

In some cases, it may be possible to pursue outcomes that reduce the length or impact of registration, but this is highly fact specific and controlled by Minnesota law. Our attorneys will review the charges you are facing and explain how registration rules would likely apply, then discuss strategies that take those long-term consequences into account.

How Quickly Can Your Attorneys Get Involved In My Case?

You can contact our firm as soon as you learn that you are under investigation or that a report has been made. In many situations, getting a lawyer involved early is one of the most important steps you can take. Early intervention can allow us to advise you before you speak with police, help you respond to child protection inquiries, and begin gathering information that may be important for your defense.

Because we offer free consultations, you do not have to wait until charges are formally filed to reach out. When you call us, we work to schedule a time to talk with you as soon as possible, review what has happened so far, and outline immediate steps to protect your rights.

Will Anyone Know That I Contacted Your Firm About These Charges?

Conversations with our attorneys about potential or existing criminal charges are generally protected by attorney client confidentiality. This means we do not disclose what you tell us in a consultation or during representation unless you authorize it or the law requires it in a specific, limited situation. For most people facing these allegations, privacy is a major concern, and we take that concern very seriously.

Meeting with a lawyer is not something that is automatically shared with the court, the prosecutor, or the public. You can speak openly with us about what you are facing, knowing that our role is to listen, advise, and advocate for you, not to judge you or expose your personal information.

How Do You Approach Cases For Veterans Facing Sex Offense Allegations?

When a veteran faces child sex offense allegations, we look at the case through both a legal and a service-related lens. Our veteran-led team understands military culture, deployments, and the impact that combat or other experiences can have on mental health and behavior. We consider how service-related conditions such as PTSD or traumatic brain injury might be relevant, particularly at the stages of negotiation and sentencing advocacy.

Our attorneys have helped shape Minnesota laws that favor treatment over incarceration for certain veterans with service-related psychological injuries. While not every case falls within those laws, our experience with them informs how we present a veteran’s background and needs to the court. Our goal is to protect both your legal interests and the dignity of your service while confronting the charges in front of you.

What Does A Free Consultation With Your Firm Include?

In a free consultation, you have the opportunity to speak directly with a member of our team about your situation. We will ask you to describe what you know so far about the allegations, any contact you have had with law enforcement or child protection, and what your immediate concerns are. We then explain the general legal landscape for the kinds of charges you may be facing and outline potential next steps.

This meeting is also a chance for you to get a sense of how we communicate and whether you feel comfortable working with us. There is no obligation to hire our firm at the end of the consultation. Our aim is to give you clear information and help you decide what you want to do next in an informed way.

At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our veteran-led team brings decades of criminal defense experience, respected leadership in the Minnesota defense community, and a track record of serious trial work to every case we handle. Reach out to us now.