Accused Of Criminal Sexual Conduct In Michigan?
As a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, I know that allegations of criminal sexual conduct can have far-reaching consequences for the personal and professional life of the accused. Prison and a felony record. Sex offender status and limits on where you can live. Long-term harm to your reputation and employment opportunities.
When a victim says someone has committed a sex crime against them, the words cannot be taken back – even when they are not true. Adding to the damaging consequences, Michigan law does not require the testimony of an alleged victim to be corroborated to obtain a conviction.
For all these reasons, a skilled defense could make all the difference if you are accused or under investigation for a sex offense. Call my Grand Rapids office right away at 616-818-0011.
Understanding Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges
Michigan sex crimes that involve sexual contact, whether they involve touching or penetration, will be charged as one of the four degrees of criminal sexual conduct, or CSC.
• First-degree criminal sexual conduct is the most severe type of sex offense in Michigan and is commonly the result of rape charges, where a conviction can lead to life in prison.
• Second-degree criminal sexual conduct involves unwanted sexual touching, sexual battery or indecent liberties, which are serious felonies that can result in years in prison.
• Third-degree criminal sexual conduct is often the result of statutory rape involving the penetration of teens or adults with mental or physical disabilities, which are also serious felonies that can result in years in prison.
• Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involves unwanted sexual touching of certain individuals, including teens, or within the contexts of diverse types of relationships. These are serious misdemeanors and 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 comes with facing these serious criminal charges. I will strongly assert your rights, develop a strategic approach and make every effort to spare you from the worst punishment.
What Should I Do If The Police Contact Me About A Sex Crime Accusation?
No matter how unfounded, sex crime accusations can destroy your personal and professional reputation going forward. It may be tempting to try to explain yourself or to disparage the credibility of the alleged victim, but this can backfire. If you are approached by law enforcement, there is nothing you can do or say that will dissuade them from investigating or filing charges, but you can make things worse. Any statements you make could be construed as evidence of your guilt and used against you in court.
Exercise your constitutional right to remain silent and your right to speak with an attorney. Call Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law.
Will I Have To Go To Court?
Criminal sexual conduct cases have a higher-than-average likelihood of going to trial because of the significant penalties if you are convicted. A conviction could mean prison time, fines, restrictions on where you can live or work, and having to register as a sex offender or submit to lifetime GPS monitoring.
Sometimes, there is no choice but to challenge the allegations in court. In other situations, a quiet and discreet resolution negotiated with the county prosecutor may avoid a public spectacle for the accused and the accuser. I have obtained real results for real people through my involvement in nearly 90 trials, including acquittals and dismissals in criminal sexual conduct prosecutions. From 15-plus years of criminal law practice, I can gauge the approach that makes the most sense for your situation and your goals.
More About The Degrees Of Criminal Sexual Conduct And Potential Penalties
Michigan law has established four degrees of criminal sexual conduct. First- and third-degree of this offense are based on “penetration” while second- and fourth-degree involve improper touching or sexual contact.
The law lays out various scenarios of those who can be involved as “actors” in the crime as well as alleged victims. For example, first-degree criminal sexual conduct (known as CSC) includes alleged victims under the age of 13 and between the ages of 13 and 16 who are victimized by a household member, by someone who is in a position of authority, by a teacher or school administrator, by a foster family member, or by employees of a school service provider. Other scenarios include committing the crime while using a weapon, while being aided by others, or when the alleged victim is mentally incompetent or physically helpless.
- CSC in the first degree carries a maximum penalty of life in prison
- CSC in the second degree carries up to 15 years in prison. It involves sexual contact with aggravating circumstances similar to those listed in first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
- CSC in the third degree is also punishable by up to 15 years in prison when aggravating circumstances apply.
- CSC in the fourth degree is charged as a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years of imprisonment.
Convictions 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 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.
Put An Experienced Trial Attorney In Your Corner
Your freedom and future are too important to take chances with when facing such an allegation. You need a lawyer who knows how to prepare and argue cases for optimum results. I am very familiar with the local courts and prosecutors in West Michigan, and I have defended clients statewide in CSC cases.
Contact Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law today to schedule a FREE consultation! You can call 24 hours a day at 616-818-0011 or allow us to review your case via email.