Defend Your Rights with Expert Sex Crimes Defense

Understanding Sex Crimes Charges

Facing sex crime charges is a life-changing situation and one that can't be taken lightly. The serious nature of a sex offense puts you at risk for significant jail time and may result in your name being added permanently to the sex offender registry. This type of criminal charge can follow you for the rest of your life.

Hiring an experienced sex crimes criminal defense attorney is essential for navigating the complex laws that apply to sexual crimes. These charges typically result in significant bias and assumptions. However, the experienced sex crime lawyers from Barone Defense Firm apply their extensive knowledge to build a strong defense quickly.

Types of Sex Crimes Defended

Our criminal defense lawyers handle cases for all types of sexual offenses.

• Criminal sexual conduct: In Michigan, sex crimes fall under CSC in four different degrees. First-degree criminal sexual conduct is the most severe, while fourth-degree sexual conduct is the least severe but still a serious charge.
• Sexual assault: Sexual assault includes any unwanted sexual contact, such as forcing the act on another person or pressuring them into engaging in sexual acts with or without penetration.
• Rape: Rape occurs when a person forces another person into sexual penetration without their consent. It includes penetration with a person who's unable to consent due to intoxication, mental state, or age.
• Child molestation: Any sexual contact with a child is illegal and falls under child molestation. This includes taking inappropriate photos, touching a child sexually, or acts that involve penetration.
• Possession of child pornography: Having possession of child pornography images is illegal, whether or not the person who possesses them took the photos. Downloading sexual images of a child from the internet is a crime.
• Internet sex crimes: Online sex crimes often involve minors, such as child pornography or soliciting a minor online. However, they can also involve adult victims, such as using the internet for sex trafficking or sending sexual messages while cyberstalking someone.
• Indecent exposure: This sex crime involves intentionally showing a person's genitals in public.
• Solicitation or prostitution charges: Anyone involved in prostitution in Michigan can be charged with a sex crime. That includes the person working as a prostitute and people who try to solicit a prostitute.

Potential Consequences of a Conviction

Jail time is often a consequence of a sex crime conviction. The amount of time spent in jail depends largely on the degree of the crime. For example, a conviction of first-degree criminal sexual conduct carries up to a life sentence with no possibility of parole in Michigan. Meanwhile, the maximum sentence for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct is 2 years in jail. Some convictions also include fines.

Regardless of the length of your sentence, jail time affects your ability to earn an income and could cause you to lose your job. It can also damage relationships with the people in your life.

Being convicted of a sex crime follows you for the rest of your life. Being on the sex offender registry carries a stigma that could cause you to be ostracized by the community. The charges often damage your reputation and could affect your ability to get a new job in the future.

The Importance of Specialized Legal Defense

Sex crime cases are typically more complex than other criminal charges due to the various degrees of criminal sexual conduct and specific laws that govern crimes of a sexual nature. Michigan's Rape Shield Statute prohibits the defense from bringing up the victim's sexual history in most cases. The crimes often come with bias, which requires an experienced lawyer to overcome. Accusations of sexual crimes are typically emotionally charged with a lot at stake.

Legal defense strategies look at the facts of your case and apply the advanced knowledge of our lawyers. This approach can reveal false accusations or clarify the circumstances of the situation to show a lack of force or coercion. Your attorney reviews all evidence collected and witness accounts to look for discrepancies or mistakes.

Barone Defense Firm specializes in criminal defense, including sexual crime charges. With extensive experience in defending clients facing sex crime charges, our team takes a thorough approach to the criminal process. We have over 100 years of combined legal experience and have a strong record of getting the best possible outcomes for our clients. Don't trust your case to just anyone. The Barone Defense Firm team understands the sensitive nature of sexual offenses that come with high stakes. We handle all cases with sensitivity while aggressively defending our clients.

Defense Strategies for Sex Crime Allegations

When you work with a criminal defense attorney from Barone Defense Firm, you get a customized defense strategy based on the facts of the case. As we investigate the case, we look for all types of defense possibilities, including:

• Calling into question the credibility of witnesses
• Challenging the validity of the evidence
• Proving there was consent
• Showing the accusations are false
• Indicating a case of mistaken identity
• Arguing there were violations of your constitutional rights, such as unlawful search and seizure

These defense strategies may help get your charges dismissed or receive a not-guilty verdict. In some cases, we use these defenses to arrange a plea deal or have your charges reduced. The strategies we use are designed to give you the best possible outcome based on the situation.

Our Approach to Sex Crimes Defense

We take a strategic approach when defending sexual crimes.

Initial Consultation and Confidentiality

Our initial consultations are free with no obligation to use our firm, so you can get the information you want without pressure. We prioritize confidentiality even before you become a client.

Case Evaluation Process

When our lawyers start working on your case, they thoroughly investigate every detail to uncover all possible defense strategies. The steps we take include:

1. Evaluating all evidence to look for errors or possible defense strategies
2. Gathering additional evidence and utilizing experts to strengthen your case or shed doubt on the prosecution's case
3. Using negotiation strategies to seek reduced charges or a plea deal before going to trial
4. Developing a strong defense to take the case to trial if needed

Customized Defense Strategies

Every case is unique with a number of variables that impact the charges. That's why we take a customized approach rather than using standard defense strategies for every client.

Client-Centered Service

When you hire Barone Defense Firm, you get a dedicated lawyer who offers consistent communication. We provide personal support throughout the legal process to ensure you have what you need. Accessibility to our staff gives you confidence if you have questions or concerns about your case.

The Legal Process and What to Expect

Every case is different, but sex crime cases often follow these steps:

1. Someone reports the crime either directly to the police or based on reporting from a third party.
2. A law enforcement agency investigates the accusations to determine if charges should be filed.
3. A warrant is issued, and formal charges are filed.
4. You go to your arraignment to be formally charged and have bail set.
5. Several pretrial events happen, including a preliminary exam and arraignment on information.
6. You may attend pretrial conferences with various settlement options, such as plea deals.
7. The case goes to trial if the charges aren't dropped and a settlement isn't reached.
8. Sentencing happens after the trial if there's a guilty verdict.

Barone Defense Firm guides you through every step of the legal process. We give you legal advice that protects you and gives you the best possible outcome at each stage.

Experienced Sex Crime Attorneys Serving Michigan Cities

Serving clients across the state of Michigan, Barone Defense Firm ensures you have access to the best possible defense if you're facing charges for sexual offenses. We work with clients in all major Michigan cities, including Rochester, Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, and Farmington Hills. Our experience in sex crimes gives you peace of mind as you navigate the legal process.

Take Action Now

Don't wait to contact us if you're facing sex crime charges. Acting fast is your best defense. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation to see how we can help.

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