Plymouth Sex Crimes Lawyer

Michigan state law addresses a wide variety of sex-based criminal offenses, many of which carry significant penalties that may include years of incarceration. Anyone convicted of a sex crime may also face mandatory inclusion in the Michigan sex offender registry, difficulty obtaining employment, prohibition from certain careers, and loss of custodial rights to their children.

Given the potentially high stakes, speaking with a Plymouth sex crimes lawyer should be a priority if you are facing any sex-related criminal charge. In this kind of situation, a dedicated defense attorney can help ensure you are aware of your rights and of the various options for handling the accusations against you.

Michigan law categorizes sex-related offenses by the nature of the offense, the age of the alleged victim, and the relationship between the parties. A Plymouth sex crimes lawyer could provide further clarification about the specific nature and implications of each of these categories.

Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws §750.520b, first-degree criminal sexual conduct occurs when an individual engages in sexual penetration with another person and one or more of the following circumstances applies:

• One person is under the age of 13
• One person is between the ages of 13 and 16, and certain other aggravating factors are present
• The act is committed in the process of committing another felony offense
• Individuals are aided or abetted by one or more persons and certain other aggravating factors exist

Aggravating factors that impact whether an act qualifies as first-degree criminal sexual conduct include whether the complainant is physically or mentally disabled, the relationship between parties, whether one party is in a position of authority over another, and the use of weapons, force, or coercion to commit the felony offense.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct could result in a lengthy prison sentence, and in some circumstances, life with no opportunity for parole, and lifetime electronic monitoring.

Second-degree criminal sexual conduct involves many of the same situations that qualify as first-degree criminal sexual conduct, except that only sexual contact occurs and not sexual penetration. This level of criminal sexual conduct is a felony offense that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Third-degree criminal sexual conduct, as defined by Michigan Compiled Laws §750.520d, addresses sexual penetration with individuals between the ages of 13 and 16, situations in which force or coercion is used to commit the penetration, cases in which the complainant is mentally or physically incapacitated, and other situations that do not involve the aggravating factors involved in first or second-degree criminal sexual conduct. A third-degree criminal sexual conduct conviction can result in up to 15 years in prison.

Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct is a misdemeanor in Plymouth. According to Mich. Comp. Laws §750.520e, this offense criminalizes general sexual contact between various individuals in the same types of situations covered by third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Individuals convicted of this offense can face up to two years in prison and a $500 fine.

Assault with the intent to commit criminal sexual conduct that involves penetration is a felony offense under Michigan state law punishable by up to ten years of incarceration. Assault with the intent to commit second-degree criminal sexual conduct is also a felony that may result in a prison sentence of up to five years.

Other sexually-based offenses recognized by Michigan law include possession of child pornography, aggravated indecent exposure, pandering, gross indecency with a victim between the ages of 13 and 17, and gross indecency with a victim under the age of 13. If you are charged with any of these particular offenses, you should talk to a sex crimes attorney in Plymouth as soon as possible about your legal options.

The penalties for sex crimes in Plymouth have the potential to alter your life for many years to come. A Plymouth sex crimes lawyer can help contest the charges against you and work toward minimizing the impact of these charges on your current and future relationships, family, career, and freedom.

It may be to your benefit to get legal assistance as soon as you learn about any investigation that may culminate in criminal charges against you. Call today to learn more about the options that may be available to resolve your case in a positive way.