An accusation of a sex crime can destroy a reputation before a single piece of evidence is tested. These cases often come down to one person’s word against another’s, and false or mistaken allegations do happen — in custody disputes, after breakups, or when memories and accounts change over time. You deserve a careful, discreet and aggressive defense.
Michigan criminal sexual conduct (CSC) charges
| Charge | Classification | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal sexual conduct, 1st degree | Felony | Up to life in prison; a 25-year mandatory minimum applies in some cases involving a child under 13 |
| Criminal sexual conduct, 2nd degree | Felony | Up to 15 years in prison |
| Criminal sexual conduct, 3rd degree | Felony | Up to 15 years in prison |
| Criminal sexual conduct, 4th degree | High court misdemeanor | Up to 2 years, up to $500 fine |
| Assault with intent to commit CSC | Felony | Up to 5 or 10 years depending on the charge |
| Indecent exposure | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail, up to $1,000 fine |
Maximum penalties for a typical first offense under Michigan law. Prior convictions, weapons, injuries and other factors can increase them. Actual sentences are usually far below the maximum and depend on Michigan’s sentencing guidelines and the facts of the case.
Most of these convictions also require registration on Michigan’s sex offender registry, and some carry lifetime electronic monitoring.
How we defend these cases
- Thorough investigation of the accuser’s statements, timeline and motives.
- Review of text messages, social media and other digital evidence that often tells a different story.
- Challenging forensic interviews, medical findings and lab results with qualified experts when needed.
- Consent, where the law allows it as a defense.
- Strict protection of your privacy throughout the case.
Frequently asked questions
I’ve been contacted by a detective about an allegation. What should I do?
Do not agree to an interview, and do not try to contact the accuser to “clear things up.” Politely tell the detective you will have your attorney contact them, and call a lawyer right away. Pre-charge representation can sometimes prevent charges from being filed at all.
Will I have to register as a sex offender?
It depends on the conviction. Michigan’s Sex Offenders Registration Act places registrable offenses into three tiers, requiring registration for 15 years, 25 years or life. Avoiding a registrable conviction is often one of the most important goals of the defense.