Aggressive Defense For Grand Rapids Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

As a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, I understand how allegations of criminal sexual conduct can have far-reaching consequences. A conviction can result in prison, a felony record and sex offender registration. However, consequences can stretch far beyond the penalties that come with a conviction. The accusation alone for a sex crime can also have a devastating effect on your personal and professional life, causing long-term damage to your reputation and employment opportunities.

My name is Ryan Maesen. Representing those accused of serious crimes in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan communities, I have dedicated my legal career and practice to providing criminal defense. At Maesen Law, I have successfully defended hundreds of clients, including those facing criminal sexual conduct (CSC) charges. As a Grand Rapids CSC lawyer, I believe that everyone who has been accused of a sex crime deserves an aggressive and strategic defense.

Understanding The Degrees Of Michigan Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

In Michigan, sex crimes that involve any type of sexual contact such as touching or penetration, are charged as criminal sexual conduct (CSC). There are four degrees of CSC. These include:

• First-degree criminal sexual conduct: A first-degree charge is the most severe type of sex offense in Michigan. Most commonly, first-degree CSC involves sexual assault and rape charges. A conviction can lead to life in prison.
• Second-degree criminal sexual conduct: Second-degree charges involve unwanted sexual touching, sexual battery or indecent liberties. These second-degree CSC crimes are serious felonies that can result in years in prison.
• Third-degree criminal sexual conduct: Third-degree charges are often the result of statutory rape and sexual contact with a teenager. Third-degree CSC crimes can also include the penetration of adults with mental or physical disabilities. These crimes are also serious felonies that can result in years in prison.
• Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct: Fourth-degree charges involve unwanted sexual touching of certain individuals, including teens. Fourth-degree CSC crimes also include sex crimes within the context of diverse types of relationships. These are serious misdemeanors and are still punishable with jail time.

No matter who you are, or where you work or live in Michigan, I understand the stress and anxiety that come with facing these serious criminal charges. As your criminal defense attorney, I will strongly advocate for your rights. In my case preparation, I take a strategic approach to preparing your defense, analyzing the facts and independently investigating the evidence – all while making every effort to spare you from the worst punishment.

What Are The Penalties For A Michigan CSC Conviction?

Michigan law defines the four degrees of CSC. The CSC laws in Michigan vary in severity based on the age of the victim and the alleged perpetrator. The younger or more vulnerable the victim, the more serious the charge. In addition, the more authority the alleged perpetrator has, the more serious the crime. For example, if the accused is a teacher, school administrator or family member, the prosecutor can file more serious charges. The more serious the charges, the greater the penalties will be if convicted. Specific penalties can include:

• CSC in the first degree: A first-degree CSC conviction carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.
• CSC in the second degree: A conviction for second-degree CSC carries up to 15 years in prison.
• CSC in the third degree: A conviction for third-degree CSC is also punishable by up to 15 years in prison when aggravating circumstances apply.
• CSC in the fourth degree: A conviction for fourth-degree CSC is charged as a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years of imprisonment.

Aggravating factors include committing the crime while using a weapon while being aided by others or when the alleged victim is mentally incompetent or physically helpless. In addition, the CSC laws in Michigan provide that a conviction of CSC can also lead to mandatory sex offender registration for up to 25 years. Under the Michigan Department of Corrections sex offender management, you may be restricted from having any contact with children, banned from the use of computers, ordered to stay a minimum of 1,000 feet from schools, ordered to complete a program of sex offender treatment or be subjected to electronic monitoring.

What Should I Do If The Police Contact Me About A Sex Crime Accusation?

Have you been approached by law enforcement? If so, it is important to understand that there is nothing you can do or say that will dissuade them from investigating or filing charges. However, you can easily make things worse by speaking to investigators. Any statements you make could be construed as evidence and used against you in court. It is always tempting to try to explain yourself or attack the credibility of the alleged victim. However, this strategy can easily backfire. If you believe that you are under investigation or you have been approached by law enforcement, you should:

• Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent
• Exercise your constitutional right to have an attorney present during any questioning, even if you have not been charged with a crime

No matter how unfounded, any allegation of a sex crime can destroy your personal and professional reputation. When a victim alleges a sex crime, those words cannot be taken back – even when they are not true. In addition, Michigan law does not require the testimony of an alleged victim to be corroborated to obtain a conviction. An experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer can answer your questions and help protect your constitutional rights.

Will I Have To Go To Court For Michigan CSC Charges?

Criminal sexual conduct cases are more likely to go to trial because of the significant penalties involved. A conviction could mean:

• Prison time
• Fines
• Restrictions on where you can live or work
• Having to register as a sex offender
• Submitting to lifetime GPS monitoring

Sometimes, it is possible to reach a quiet and discreet resolution. Negotiations with a county prosecutor might be able to avoid a public spectacle for the accused and the accuser. Other times, there is no choice but to challenge the allegations in court. In nearly 90 trials, I have obtained real results for real people, including acquittals and dismissals in criminal sexual conduct prosecutions. With more than 15 years of practice in criminal law, I can gauge the approach that makes the most sense for your situation and your goals.

Consult A Michigan CSC Attorney For Free

If you are facing allegations of criminal sexual conduct, your freedom and future are too important to take chances. You need a Grand Rapids CSC attorney who knows how to prepare and argue cases for optimum results. In my years of practice, I have developed a rapport with the local courts and prosecutors in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, defending clients in CSC cases statewide.

At Maesen Law, I offer free initial consultations. To schedule your free appointment, you can call my office 24 hours a day at 616-818-0011 or use my online form to send me a message. I am here to answer your questions and fight for your rights.