Being accused of a sex crime can be devastating. Conviction of a sex crime in Michigan can result in serious jail time, expensive fines, and lifelong inclusion on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry. In addition, even being under investigation for a sex crime can affect your standing in the community, your professional licensing, and your employment.
There is often a great deal of confusion and misinformation surrounding these types of investigations, and innocent defendants can ruin their chances of avoiding conviction simply because they do not fully understand the law.
If you have been accused of or charged with a sex crime you need to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. A specific area of the law applies to sex crimes and you will need lawyers with experience defending against these types of charges to give you the best possible chance of obtaining a favorable outcome in court.
Our Grand Rapids sex crime lawyers will help you defend against these types of charges with compassion and experience, assisting you every step of the way.
Michigan Sex CrimesMichigan laws regarding sex crimes can be found in Chapter LXXVI, Michigan Penal Code. Many different criminal charges fall into the category of sex crimes, and each will require the prosecution to prove different elements to convict you. In addition, there are often varying degrees for each of these crimes, depending on the circumstances of the situation and any prior offenses. Grand Rapids sex crimes attorneys who have experience handling sex crimes can help defend against other related charges as well.
Criminal Sexual ConductCriminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) is a term that includes charges of rape, statutory rape, and child molestation. These are the most common, and often the most serious types of sex crimes to be charged with. There are four different degrees of CSC that a person may be charged with, with varying types of penalties. Conviction of any of these can result in monetary fines, jail time, and permanent placement on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR). Depending on the severity of the crime, an individual may be required to register for 15 years, 25 years, or for life.
Child PornographyChild Pornography is a very serious crime under Michigan law, as well as under federal law. Possession of any images that are sexual in nature that depict a person under the age of 18 is illegal, regardless of whether the possessor was aware of the age of the person depicted when they purchased or downloaded the material. With new high-tech investigative technology and the availability of pornographic material on the internet, these types of convictions are becoming more common. Mere possession of these types of pornographic materials can result in prison time and inclusion in the PSOR, while distribution and production of child pornography can carry very heavy penalties under federal statutes.
Pandering and ProstitutionPandering and Prostitution are both illegal in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pandering involves acting as a “pimp,” and is the crime of enticing or forcing another person to prostitute themselves, typically involving an exchange of money. Prostitution is defined as the exchange of a sexual act for money.
Hiring a prostitute is a criminal misdemeanor offense, conviction of which can result in up to 90 days in prison and a fine of up to $500. Second-time offenses can result in prison time for up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000. Third time and subsequent offenses are felonies, which can result in up to two years in prison and a fine of $2,000.
Steps to TakeSex crimes are a serious offense under Michigan law and are often aggressively prosecuted even when little or no evidence of a crime exists. The prosecution team that is building a case against a defendant is made up of highly trained professionals who spend all of their time working toward convictions — a defendant needs someone with similar experience working against convictions to ensure that they are not at a disadvantage when defending themselves in court.
Even baseless accusations of sex crimes can have serious detrimental effects on an individual’s personal reputation and standing within the community. Before speaking to law enforcement, it is imperative to understand individual rights under the law and understand the charges being faced. Do not delay in contacting a sex crimes lawyer in Grand Rapids immediately if being investigated for this type of crime.
Consult With an Attorney TodayIf you believe you are being investigated for a sex crime or are facing these types of charges, do not despair. Our attorneys understand that being accused of a sex crime can be extremely damaging, even when no evidence of a crime exists, and will help you protect your good name and your legal rights. It is imperative that you obtain legal representation as you work to defend your reputation and your liberty.
Our Grand Rapids sex crime lawyers will work tirelessly to try to mitigate or even dismiss the charges against you, and will do everything in our power to ensure you do not end up on the Public Sex Offender Registry. Contact an attorney to discuss your case today.