Age of Consent in Minnesota: All You Need to Know

As of 2025, the age of consent laws in Minnesota are designed to prevent exploitation rather than to set an age limit for certain activities and people. While there are some exceptions to Minnesota’s age of consent laws, violating them could leave you facing serious criminal consequences under the state’s sex crime laws. Understanding the age of consent in Minnesota is important for residents of all ages.​

The Basics of Minnesota’s Age of Consent​

In the state of Minnesota, the age of consent is 16. However, if the older party has some form of power over the younger party, the age of consent is raised to 18. The following are the most basic aspects of Minnesota’s consent laws:​

• What’s Legal at 16?There are some circumstances where 16 and 17-year-olds can engage in sexual activity with adults, but the circumstances are limited. These include if you’re less than three years older than the person and you do not hold any position of power over them.​If you’re less than three years older than a 16 or 17-year-old but hold any position of authority over them, it is not legal to engage in sexual activity as of 2025. The new consent laws passed in Minnesota are designed to acknowledge some of the nuances of power dynamics and protect minors from exploitation by people in authority.​
• What’s Legal at 18?Around 23% of Minnesota’s population is under the age of 18, totaling more than 1.3 million residents. At 18, a person is legally considered an adult and can engage in sexual relations with anyone else over the age of 18 that they choose, regardless of whether that person is in a position of power.​

Understanding Criminal Sexual Conduct in Minnesota​

If you’re being accused of any level of criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota, you need to hire a Minnesota sex crime attorney to represent you right away. Consent issues can arise quickly and often out of confusion, but they come with lasting consequences. The following are the most common sexual offenses involving age of consent laws in Minnesota:​

• First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. Engaging in any sexual activity with a victim under the age of 14 as an adult in Minnesota can lead to charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. The same charge is heightened if someone has sexual relations with someone who is mentally impaired or uses the threat of force to compel someone to have sex.
• Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. If the victim is over the age of 14 but under the age of 16 and the perpetrator is an adult, it can lead to charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
• Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. If the victim is over the age of 16 but under the age of 18 and the perpetrator is more than three years older than the victim, it can lead to charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
• Fourth-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. If the perpetrator of criminal sexual activity is in a position of authority over the victim, they can be charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Examples include teachers, coaches, psychotherapists, caregivers, members of the clergy, medical providers, and police officers.

The penalties for sex crimes in Minnesota are severe and long-lasting. Someone convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct can face up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $40,000. If you are charged with any of these crimes in Minnesota, you should hire an experienced sex crimes lawyer right away. Ronnie Santana from Santana Law, PLLC, has the knowledge, passion, and negotiation skills needed to fight for you.​

FAQs

What Is the New Consent Law in Minnesota?

The new consent law in Minnesota moves beyond age to address mental states and power dynamics. The purpose of the law is to protect children in their teens from exploitation. Now, 16 and 17-year-olds cannot consent to sexual activity with adults over the age of 21 if they hold any position of authority over them.

​What Is the Lowest Age of Consent in Minnesota?

​The lowest age of consent in Minnesota is 16 years of age. This age of consent applies if the older party is less than three years older than the 16 or 17-year-old and does not hold a position of authority. If the older person is in a position of authority, such as a teacher, coach, or employer, the younger participant in the relationship must be at least 18 years old.

​Can a Minnesota Sex Crime Lawyer Help With Consent Cases?

Yes, a Minnesota sex crime lawyer can defend residents facing charges regarding violating age of consent laws. Experienced sex crime lawyers have comprehensive knowledge of both state and federal sex offenses, allowing them to defend individuals dealing with consent violations in Minnesota. If you are being charged with a sex crime involving a minor, it’s crucial that you hire a lawyer who can protect your rights and your future.

​How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer in Minnesota?

The amount it costs to hire a sex crime lawyer in Minnesota will depend heavily on the unique factors that come with your case. More complex, lengthy cases that go to trial tend to be more expensive than simple cases that are negotiated outside of court. Additionally, the severity of your charge, the experience of your lawyer, and whether litigation is required may all impact the price you pay.

​Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer in Minnesota Today

​Ronnie Santana, the lead attorney of Santana Law, PLLC, has extensive experience working as a trusted criminal defense attorney here in Minnesota. With experience as a former prosecutor, his unique legal knowledge gives him an edge in local courts. You can trust him to provide you with robust, strategic defense during complex age of consent cases.

​Contact Santana Law, PLLC, today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Ronnie Santana can fight for you.