Sex crimes carry some of the most severe and potentially damaging punishments of any crime. Those convicted of sex crimes face a lifetime in prison or a lifetime on the sex offender registration. Many of these cases are highly emotional and often come down to he said, she said arguments.
People charged with sex crimes in Michigan face serious consequences even beyond jail time. Difficulty obtaining a job, finding a place to live, and other challenges await those found guilty of sex crimes.
That is why skilled defense attorneys provide aggressive sex crime defense representation. Wayne County sex crimes lawyers work to minimize the impact such charges will have on individuals facing charges.
Sex Crimes in MichiganMichigan categorizes sex crimes depending on their nature, the age of the alleged victim and the relationship between the alleged victim and the defendant. Penetration offenses include first-degree criminal sexual conduct and third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Sexual penetration paired with any one of the following aggravating factors may lead to a conviction:
Other Michigan sex crimes fall into the contact offenses category. Sexual contact combined with any of the above aggravating factors may result in a second-degree criminal sexual conduct and/or fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.
Michigan law also includes sexual assault with intent offenses. These include crimes when a defendant has allegedly committed assault with the intent to commit sexual conduct, though the conduct did not actually occur.
Fighting for the Best Possible OutcomeDefending against sex crime charges can be a difficult and lengthy endeavor. Wayne County sex crimes lawyers examine statements made by the alleged victim or witnesses. They look for any inconsistencies and try to understand the circumstances under which the statements were given. If law enforcement did not follow proper protocol when attaining the statements, they will work to get the statement struck from the record.
A good sex crimes attorney will also work to understand the background of the people interviewed about the alleged crime. Searching for motive or for an explanation for why the allegations were made is critical. Sadly, it is not unheard of for false allegations to be made during a particularly heated divorce.
Allegations of molestation are usually made by one adult with grievances toward another adult. Many times, a witness’s testimony may be deemed unreliable and a judge will not allow a jury to hear it. Medical evidence is also important at trial. With many sex crimes, medical reports detail any evidence of the act. Our team will be sure to interview any nurses, doctors, or medical professionals who were involved in writing the report. Many times, these reports lack details including the time, degree and precise type of damage done. If necessary, attorneys will bring in an expert witness who can show that the allegations do not match the medical evidence.
Contacting a Wayne County Sex Crimes AttorneyFalse allegations can and often times do indeed lead to convictions. That is why it is so critically important to hire a Wayne County sex crimes lawyer the moment you learn you have been charged. If you have been accused of molestation or another sex crime, they may be able to help. Call today to begin a consultation.