When The Stakes Are This High, You Need A Real Defense

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.

At Ryan Maesen, Attorney at Law, I represent those accused of serious crimes in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan communities. I have dedicated my legal career and practice to providing strong criminal defense for my clients. I have successfully defended hundreds of people, 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. Reach out today at 616-821-7691 to discuss your case.

What is Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) in Michigan?

Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) refers to a range of non-consensual sexual acts, from touching to penetration, prosecuted under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL 750.520). Charges escalate based on factors like victim age, use of force, relationship to the accused, or vulnerability such as incapacity. Michigan’s laws emphasize victim protection, with penalties tied to four degrees, but defenses like consent or close-in-age exceptions apply in certain cases.

Michigan’s “Romeo and Juliet” provision provides a close-in-age exemption for consensual acts, meaning no felony CSC 3rd degree charges if the minor is 13-15 and the alleged perpetrator is under 4 years older (proven by preponderance). This prevents harsh penalties for teen relationships but doesn’t apply to all degrees or force cases. As your CSC attorney, I leverage these provisions to challenge overreach and seek reductions.

Understanding The Degrees Of Michigan Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

No matter who you are, where you work, or where you 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.

First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

First-degree CSC involves penetration with a victim under 13, or 13-15 with force, weapons, injury, or authority (e.g., teacher). It’s the most severe felony, punishable by life imprisonment and lifetime sex offender registration. Defenses often challenge penetration evidence or coercion claims.

Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

2nd degree CSC covers sexual contact (no penetration) with aggravating factors like victim under 13, force/coercion, or familial relation, punishable by up to 15 years prison. Criminal sexual conduct 2nd degree Michigan often arises from disputed “unwanted touching” allegations. Common defenses include lack of sexual intent or consent disputes.

Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

CSC 3rd degree typically involves penetration with a 13-15 year old (not 1st-degree factors) or incapacitated adults. This is typically a felony punishable by up to 15 years and lifetime sex offender registration. Romeo and Juliet may apply for close ages. I scrutinize age proofs and consent evidence to negotiate reductions.

Fourth-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

CSC 4th degree is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years jail. This involves sexual contact with 13-15 year olds where the alleged perpetrator is 5+ years older than the alleged victim. CSC charge here often stems from age-gap relationships; defenses focus on consent or exemptions. Sex offender registration varies by tier.

Common Defense Strategies to CSC Charges

Effective CSC defenses challenge evidence, credibility, and elements like penetration or force. Consent arguments work where applicable, while false accusation defenses expose motives, inconsistencies, or impaired recall. Mistaken identity, illegal searches, or lack of sexual purpose may give your attorney an opportunity to ask for reduction or dismissal charges. At Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law, I investigate independently for these angles.

Other strategies include Romeo and Juliet exemptions, expert testimony on statements/behavior, or procedural errors suppressing evidence. In CSC 2nd degree or 4th, disputing “aggravating factors” often drops severity. My track record shows acquittals and dismissals through thorough preparation.

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 maximum penalty of life in prison.
CSC in the second degree: Up to 15 years in prison.
CSC in the third degree: Up to 15 years in prison when aggravating circumstances apply.
CSC in the fourth degree: 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 state that a conviction of CSC can also lead to mandatory sex offender registration for up to 25 years.

Sex offenders typically managed by the Michigan Department of Corrections, may restrict you from having any contact with children, ban you from the use of computers, be 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 may be 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. Although, it is sometimes 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 future.

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 many 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 Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law, I offer free initial consultations. To schedule your free appointment, you can call my office 24 hours a day at 616-821-7691 or use the online form to send me a message. I am here to answer your questions and fight for your rights.