Although most criminal charges should raise concern, sex crimes are typically viewed as more heinous offenses than other acts. A conviction for a sex crime can have lifelong ramifications, and it is vital for people accused of engaging in unlawful behavior of a sexual nature to understand their rights and potential defenses. If you are accused of a sex crime, then you should retain a law firm who can assist you in fighting to protect your freedom & reputation. At The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law, we are are committed to your defense for all sex crime realted charges.
Any criminal charge brought against you can be difficult to handle. Dealing with an uncertain future, the possibility of prison, and contemplating the future impacts of a criminal record can be stressful. Charges involving a sex-related crimes are even more daunting. Because of the added social taboos related to sexual offenses, individuals who are implicated in any type of sexual criminal misconduct can find almost every aspect of their lives severely disrupted. When it comes to sex crimes, law enforcement personnel must take even a mere verbal accusation, without more, at face value. Many defendants embattled in such cases have come to find out that, even when they are innocent or the allegations have been exaggerated or flat out fabricated, the damage is done the minute they are implicated. The fallout can affect one's employment status, family life & business relationships in the immediate future & long term.
What Are Sex Crimes in Michigan?
In Michigan, any crime that involves a sexual motive or behavior is considered a sex crime. Which means, a wide range of behavior falls under the umbrella of sex offenses, including prostitution, indecent exposure & internet sex crimes.
Many illicit acts are charged as Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC). There are 4 degrees of CSC in Michigan:
1st Degree CSC: The most serious offense for criminal sexual conduct. In cases involving 1st degree CSC, the prosecution must prove that the defendant sexually penetrated the victim & that one other factor listed under the statute was present (felony with the possibility of life in prison)
2nd Degree CSC: Sexual contact, rather than sexual penetration, that occurs under any of the circumstances enumerated in the statute for 1st degree CSC (felony).
3rd Degree CSC: Sexual penetration of a victim who is between the ages of 13 & 15 or incapacitated, or involves force or coercion (felony).
4th degree CSC: Sexual contact under the same circumstances (misdemeanor).
People convicted of sex crimes are often required to register with the Michigan Sex Offender Registry as well.
Statutory Rape Defense Attorneys
Relationships happen in many different ways, and the age of consent varies by where you live. The relationship you were involved in may have seemed and felt completely consensual, but the fact is, people under the age of 16 in Michigan lack the legal capacity to consent to a sexual relationship. If you or someone you know was involved in a relationship with a minor, then there is the potential for very serious criminal sexual conduct charges. In Michigan, statutory rape is actually charged under the same statute as forcible rape depending on the circumstances & age of the minor. At The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law, we will discuss the differences of the various charges a person could face in detail.
If you or your child is being charged with a statutory rape crime in Michigan, the most important thing you can do is to seek aggressive & experienced legal representation. You need a sex crimes attorney who has experience working with sex crimes in Michigan, and understands the sensitive nature of the circumstances you are dealing with. The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law is the premier legal defense firm in Southeastern Michigan. We have 30+ years of combined experience & determination to win these complicated and often sensitive cases.
Internet Sex Crimes – Chat Rooms
Chat rooms and social media sites have become a standard form of communication for many people, but recently it has the attention of specialized police initiatives to trap unsuspecting people into implicating themselves in serious felonies. Internet sex crimes are felonies that have serious prison sentences and require a person convicted to register as a sexual offender under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). It is important that you present the best legal defense. Contact The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law & let our 30+ years of combined experience fight for your innocence.
MCL 750.145d(1)(a) is the law that governs internet sex crimes related to soliciting minors. The law states that a person shall not use the internet or a computer to communicate with any person for the purpose of committing one of the specified crimes. The statute is vague & includes a long list of prohibited conduct that a person cannot solicit a minor to commit by using the internet, networks or chat rooms. The list of prohibited conduct is long, and specifies individual pieces of the criminal code that cannot be undertaken or attempted by using the internet.
The most common occurrence related to MCL 750.145 is when a person engages in conversation with an undercover police officer, and attempts to arrange a meeting to engage in sexual activity. When this occurs, the suspect will be arrested and charged with a violation of MCL 750.145. The person’s computer will likely be confiscated & reviewed by forensic computer analysts in an attempt to uncover illicit materials.
If you are facing allegations or charges for internet sex crimes, cyberstalking, or a sex crime, then you should contact The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law as soon as possible. We have been practicing criminal defense for sexually related crimes for more than 30+ combined years of experience. We have handled hundreds of cases throughout Southwestern Michigan. Our knowledge & commitment to excellence can be the difference between a long sentence and a favorable outcome.