Minnesota § 609.3451 - CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE FIFTH DEGREE
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.3451 — CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE FIFTH DEGREE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.3451. CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE FIFTH DEGREE
Subdivision 1.Sexual penetration; crime defined.
A person is guilty of criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree if the person engages in nonconsensual sexual penetration.
Subd. 1a.Sexual contact; child present; crime defined.
A person is guilty of criminal sexual conduct in the fifth degree if:
(1) the person engages in nonconsensual sexual contact; or
(2) the person engages in masturbation or lewd exhibition of the genitals in the presence of a minor under the age of 16, knowing or having reason to know the minor is present.
For purposes of this section, "sexual contact" has the meaning given in section 609.341, subdivision 11, paragraph (a), clauses (i), (iv), and (v). Sexual contact also includes the intentional removal or attempted removal of clothing covering the complainant's intimate parts or undergarments, and the nonconsensual touching by the complainant of the actor's intimate parts, effected by the actor, if the action is performed with sexual or aggressive intent.
Subd. 2.Gross misdemeanor.
A person convicted under subdivision 1a may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 364 days or to a payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.
Subd. 3.Felony.
(a) A person is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both, if the person violates subdivision 1.
(b) A person is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than seven years or to payment of a fine of not more than $14,000, or both, if the person violates subdivision 1 or 1a within ten years of:
(1) a conviction under subdivision 1;
(2) a previous conviction for violating subdivision 1a, clause (2), a crime described in paragraph (c), or a statute from another state in conformity with any of these offenses; or
(3) the first of two or more previous convictions for violating subdivision 1a, clause (1), or a statute from another state in conformity with this offense.
(c) A previous conviction for violating section 609.342; 609.343; 609.344; 609.345; 609.3453; 617.23, subdivision 2, clause (2), or subdivision 3; or 617.247 may be used to enhance a criminal penalty as provided in paragraph (b).
History:
1988 c 529 s 2; 1990 c 492 s 1; 1995 c 226 art 2 s 19; 1996 c 408 art 3 s 26,27; 1998 c 367 art 3 s 11; 2014 c 270 s 2; 2015 c 65 art 6 s 14; 1Sp2019 c 5 art 4 s 9; 1Sp2021 c 11 art 4 s 20; 2023 c 52 art 6 s 16
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.3451
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.3451 cover?
Section 609.3451 ("CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT IN THE FIFTH DEGREE") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 609.3451?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.3451" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 609.3451 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.