Troy Sex Crimes Lawyer

Troy lawmakers have established tough penalties for sex crimes that can follow a person for life. It may be imperative for anyone under investigation for sex crimes or facing a sex-related charge speak with an experienced, aggressive, and well-informed attorney. A Troy sex crimes lawyer may be able to provide you with the appropriate guidance and legal counsel.

Depending upon the circumstances of the crime and the age of the alleged victim, a person facing a sex charge may face incarceration for up to two years or a prison sentence of several years to life. An offense may also require registration on the state’s sex offender registry, which imposes potentially invasive restrictions.

What Counts as a Sex Crime?

In Troy, common sex crimes include:

• Rape, including statutory rape
• Sexual assault and battery
• Child molestation
• Lewd acts with a child
• Indecent exposure
• Prostitution
• Pimping
• Soliciting prostitution

In any of these scenarios, the other person must not consent to the contact for the act to qualify as a sex crime. Speak with a Troy sex crimes lawyer to learn more about what counts as a sex crime.

Classifications of Troy Sex Crimes

Sex crimes under Michigan law fall into four classes comprised of misdemeanors and felonies with increasing consequences.

• First-Degree Felony: A person may face first-degree felony charges if unwanted sexual penetration occurred. For child-related sex crimes, if alleged victims are younger than 13 or between ages 13 and 16, a person may be charged with a first-degree felony regardless of the specific type of sexual contact, with the same potential maximum sentence of life in prison
• Second-Degree Offense: For a second-degree offense, there must be unwanted sexual contact. Punishment may be up to 15 years in prison and an electronic monitoring device
• Third-Degree Offense: For a third-degree offense, a person must knowingly sexually penetrate a person who is mentally or physically incapacitated. Punishment may also be up to 15 years in prison and an electric monitor
• Fourth-Degree Misdemeanor: A fourth-degree charge is a misdemeanor involving nonconsensual touching of a sexual nature. The punishment could be 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $500

Michigan’s Sex Offender Registry Ruling

In October 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to overturn a U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that prohibited the state from retroactively applying new rules. These are laws affecting the state’s sex offender registry that established tiers of offenders, required them to report quarterly, forbade them from getting within 1,000 feet of a school, and required some to remain on the registry for life.

The appeals court ruled unanimously that the state violated constitutional protections by increasing penalties for a crime after its commission and adjudication. Contact a Troy sex crimes lawyer to find out more.

Defenses to Sex Crimes Allegations

A primary defense against sex crimes in Troy is often that the sexual penetration or contact was consensual. If direct evidence to prove that defense is unavailable, a person may use their sexual history with the alleged victim to show the likelihood of consent. However, this defense is never available when the victim is a minor or mentally incapable of consenting.

Insanity or mental incapacity also can be a defense. If the police convinced a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed, it may be entrapment. In some cases, the prosecution may have overstepped its bounds which may help a defense. If you wish to know more about defenses to sex crimes allegations, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. A Troy sex crimes lawyer may be able to provide you with more information.

Speak With a Troy Sex Crimes Attorney About a Case

Sex offenses can have harsh and long-lasting consequences. A conviction from a sex charge could potentially be on your permanent record and could ruin any current or future employment opportunities. If you have been charged, it is imperative that you speak with a skilled attorney. A Troy sex crimes attorney could look at the specific circumstances of your case and help you decide on the best defense. Call today for a free consultation.

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