The statutory rape law in Michigan is simple, harsh and has been enforced for many years. A person who has not reached the age of 16 years is not able consent to any sexual act. Sexual contact means contact for sexual gratification. Therefore, any sexual contact with a person under the age of 16 is a felony. It does not matter whether the underage person consented to the sexual contact, wanted the sexual contact, or initiated the sexual contact. Simply, a felony has occurred. It does not even matter that the charged person was aware of the age of their sexual partner and that the underage person lied about their age. If you have been charged with statutory rape or are being investigated for statutory rape, you need to speak to a skilled sex crimes lawyer at The Clark Law Office immediately. You will need experienced counsel to provide you with professional advice and zealous representation. This is a time when you will feel as you world is falling apart, but we are here to help and give you best criminal defense representation possible.
Michigan Rape Defense Attorneys Serving Okemos, Lansing, and Surrounding Areas
Michigan law mandates that a person under the age of 16 is not able to consent to a sexual assault. This means that any sexual act with a minor results in a rape charge. The specific type of felony is determined by the various classifications of criminal sexual conducting including 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree, and 4th degree.
First degree criminal sexual conduct can result in life imprisonment, being listed in the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, and possibly electronic monitoring upon completion of a prison sentence. This is not included in the statute but The Department of Corrections for The State of Michigan controls whether a person after serving their minimum upfront sentence will be eligible for parole. If you are convicted for CSC in the first degree, many times a convicted CSC parolee is denied their parole requests (flopped) providing a longer term in prison up to the maximum sentence imposed by the court.
If you meet the same connection requirements to the victim as a criminal sexual conduct 1st degree charge but there is no penetration, you will be charged with criminal sexual conduct in the 2nd degree. If you are charged with sexual penetration of a person between 13 and 16 years of age but do not meet the connection requirements, you will be charged with criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. Both CSC 2nd and 3rd carry a lengthy prison sentence of up to 15 years. If you are charged with CSC in the 4th degree, you can still be punished with up to 2 years in prison.
What If My Child Is Under 18? Can They Still Be Charged w/ Statutory Rape?
If you happen to be under the age of 18 years, you can still be charged with statutory rape. You can face life altering consequences before you even really have a chance to start your adult life. This means that a harmless high-school romance can result in a nightmare for you and your life will never be the same. Even the accusation of something like this can ruin your life. If you are or a family member has been charged with statutory rape, you need to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer that has proven results in sex crimes cases. Our attorneys have a hard earned reputation as some of the best criminal defense attorneys in the state and have reached favorable results in many statutory rape cases. We will protect your rights, your freedom, and your reputation. An accusation or charge of this criminal act should not be taken lightly as it can certainly be life-altering.
Defense Against Exaggerated Claims and Accusations
You need an attorney who will put in the hard to work to protect you and your reputation. Statutory rape charges are often motivated by the parents of the other child involved and can be brought out of jealousy along with feeling of betrayal. Don’t think that this charge will go away on it’s own. Every single small detail and resource needs to be pursued on your behalf to guard against exaggerated claims and accusations. Many different avenues and strategies of legal defense will need to be explored to protect you. Many times, this type of matter can be resolved in juvenile court proceeding that can result in the reduction of charges and even the dismissal of charges altogether
Contact Our Michigan Statutory Rape Attorneys 100% Confidentially
If you or a loved one has been charged, arrested or even investigated for statutory rape, call us today for a free consultation at (517) 347-6900. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and are 100% confidential.
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