Minnesota § 609.3457 - SEX OFFENDER ASSESSMENT

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.3457 — SEX OFFENDER ASSESSMENT, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 609.3457. SEX OFFENDER ASSESSMENT

Subdivision 1.Assessment required.

When a person is convicted of a sex offense, the court shall order an independent professional assessment of the offender's need for sex offender treatment to be completed before sentencing. The court may waive the assessment if: (1) the Sentencing Guidelines provide a presumptive prison sentence for the offender, or (2) an adequate assessment was conducted prior to the conviction. An assessor providing an assessment for the court must be experienced in the evaluation and treatment of sex offenders.

Subd. 1a.Repeat offenders; mandatory assessment.

When a person is convicted of a felony-level sex offense, and the person has previously been convicted of a sex offense regardless of the penalty level, the court shall order a sex offender assessment to be completed by the Minnesota security hospital. The assessment must contain the facts upon which the assessment conclusion is based, with reference to the offense history of the offender or the severity of the current offense, the social history of the offender, and the results of an examination of the offender's mental status unless the offender refuses to be examined. The assessment conclusion may not be based on testing alone. Upon completion, the assessment must be forwarded to the court and the commissioner of corrections. The court shall consider the assessment when sentencing the offender and, if applicable, when making the preliminary determination regarding the appropriateness of a civil commitment petition under section 609.1351.

Subd. 2.Access to data.

Notwithstanding section 13.384, 13.85, 144.291 to 144.298, 260B.171, or 260C.171, or chapter 260E, the assessor has access to the following private or confidential data on the person if access is relevant and necessary for the assessment:

(1) medical data under section 13.384;

(2) corrections and detention data under section 13.85;

(3) health records under sections 144.291 to 144.298;

(4) juvenile court records under sections 260B.171 and 260C.171; and

(5) local welfare agency records under chapter 260E.

Data disclosed under this section may be used only for purposes of the assessment and may not be further disclosed to any other person, except as authorized by law.

Subd. 3.Treatment order.

If the assessment indicates that the offender is in need of and amenable to sex offender treatment, the court shall include in the sentence a requirement that the offender undergo treatment, unless the court sentences the offender to prison.

Subd. 4.Definition.

As used in this section, "sex offense" means a violation of section 609.342; 609.343; 609.344; 609.345; 609.3451; 609.3458; 609.746, subdivision 1; 609.79; or 617.23; or another offense arising out of a charge based on one or more of those sections.

History:

1992 c 571 art 1 s 20; 1999 c 139 art 4 s 2; 1999 c 227 s 22; 2001 c 210 s 24-26; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 66; 2005 c 136 art 3 s 23; art 4 s 11; 2007 c 147 art 10 s 15; 1Sp2020 c 2 art 8 s 138; 1Sp2021 c 11 art 4 s 31

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.3457

What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.3457 cover?

Section 609.3457 ("SEX OFFENDER ASSESSMENT") 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 § 609.3457?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.3457" (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 § 609.3457 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.