3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
This crime is punishable by up to 15 years in the State of Michigan. For a 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct charge, the prosecutor must prove that there was sexual penetration and not merely contact. Being accused of 3rd degree CSC is something you should take extremely seriously just like any other sex crime accusation. Your freedom is at stake and you could be included onto the Michigan Sex Offender registry for the rest of your life. Without the hard work from experienced sex crime attorney in Michigan, you could be putting your liberty and reputation in jeopardy. If you or someone you know has received a knock on the door by the police or call/text/email accusing you or a loved one of a sexual assault, defend yourself and contact The Clark Law Office immediately.
Statutory Rape in Michigan
By far the most common type of Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charge is more commonly referred to as statutory rape. This term is still commonly used even though this term is no longer being used by Michigan statutes. The definition of statutory rape is the act of sexual penetration where there is an individual under the age of legal consent. In the State of Michigan, that legal age of consent is 16. Many statutory rape cases actually occur between individuals that were boyfriend and girlfriend at the time of the incident. Michigan prosecutors are not afraid to bring this charge to minors and it is a common practice. If you are a teenager that has been accused of statutory rape, you should not talk about your case with anyone. Do not talk to the police, friends, family, teachers, etc. You might think talking to the police and explaining that is was consensual will help you and everything will be OK. That’s simply not the case, and sex crimes are some of the easiest cases for prosecutors to bring. Don’t post anything on Facebook or any other form of social media. Call an experienced sex crimes attorney that has experience handling and defending these types of dangerous accusations.
Avoid Making Mistakes
The first mistake to not take the accusation seriously. Many clients to the position that since I did not nothing wrong, I have nothing to worry about. This first error often is crucial and many times can never be recovered from. Once you or a person you know has any idea that you or they are being accused or are about to be interview, call an attorney immediately. Call an attorney with four decades of experience with proven results like the Clark Law Office for advice and legal counsel. Do not consent to a search and do not speak to the police until you have seasoned legal counsel to guide you.
Defending Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct Cases
Your case will be defended with seasoned attorney’s with proven results, who will give your case immediate attention. Reviewing the claims, the charges with an eagle eye for facts and the law that will exonerate or mitigate any situation. No matter where you are in the process hiring a firm dedicated to the hard work of finding information in your, and attacking the weakness of the prosecutions case is first and foremost. Prosecutors have the entire power of the state of Michigan on its side and legal theories that are set forth that confuse even a judge and jury. Mumbo Jumbo you can not understand in this context is dangerous. Have proven attorneys with proven results in your corner.
Consequences for Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan
Just like the punishment for all other sex crimes in Michigan, the penalties and consequences of a CSC 3rd are extremely severe. If you are convicted of this crime, you will be required to be on the sex offender registry in Michigan for the rest of your life. If you have any prior criminal history, are on probation or parole, or have bond status issues, sentences can be lengthened. Some other consequences include:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Required to register as a sex offender for life. Your picture, full name, home address, and detailed information about your conviction will be publicly available
- Expensive court fees and criminal fines
- You will not be able to work or live in certain locations
- Could possibly be terminated by employer
- Possibly denied future employment
- Your professional license may be revoked
- If you are divorced, the custody of your children could be jeopardized
Aggressively Defending Charges of CSC 3rd Degree in Lansing
In criminal law, it is said that the prosecution has the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The reality is that even though the jury will be instructed of this fact, many and most case require that the defendant prove to the jury certain facts are true and prove to the jury that the facts utilized by the prosecution or false or misleading or being interpreted in false and misleading manner. Gathering the facts, what I call ammunition, to counter the prosecution is on the defense. To get the ammunition and to fight the prosecution takes hard work. A look at every detail of the case, every piece of physical evidence every statement of every witness and looking for missing evidence and witnesses crucial to your defense to rebut the claims of the prosecution. This is look for and providing the ammunition for your defense is something The Clark Law Office has done for four decades. We know the best defense tactics to winning or dismissing sex crime charges. Call us today at (517) 347-6900 for a free confidential consultation regarding your case and speak directly to the attorney that will be handing your case.
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