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Regardless of Consent, Prosecutors Will Aggressively Pursue Charges of Sexual Conduct Involving a Minor
Often, our clients do not understand why they are being charged with the crime — this is especially true when there was perceived consent. However, the law views anyone under the age of 16, incapable of consenting to sexual intercourse or any form of sexual activity. Therefore, sex with a minor under the age of consent can result in statutory rape charges if filed with law enforcement.
How We Fight for Our Clients Accused of Statutory Rape
As with any other rape or sexual assault case, statutory rape cases generally involve “he said/she said” claims. It is your word against the other individual’s. Our attorneys go to work, building your credibility and scrutinizing the other individual’s credibility. Our thorough investigation and intense cross-examinations often uncover discrepancies in the case or a history of false accusations. Our Michigan criminal defense law firm pursues all available defenses to protect your rights and freedom.
You Cannot Afford Anything but the Best Team of Criminal Defense Attorneys in Metro Detroit
Criminal sexual conduct conviction will result in prison time and registration on the Sex Offender Registry Act list. Because of these factors, you must have a defense attorney who knows all aspects of statutory rape law and changes to the SORA requirements.
Michigan Penalties for a Criminal Sexual Conduct Conviction
- 1st degree: Up to life in prison and lifetime registration on sex offender list
- 2nd degree: Up to 15 years in prison and registration on sex offender list
- 3rd degree: Up to 15 years in prison and registration on sex offender list
- 4th degree: Up to 20 years in prison and registration on sex offender list
SORA Tier Classifications
All registrable offenses are categorized into one of three separate Tiers:
- Tier I: Registration for 15 years (non-public)
- Tier II: Registration for 25 years (public)
- Tier III: Lifetime registration (public)
Along with the individual tier creations, the recent changes to the Sex Offender Registry List (SORA) enable certain convicted sex offenders to avoid the registration requirement altogether or have their registration period reduced. It is critical to choose an attorney that thoroughly understands the requirements of SORA as well as the avenues available to avoid registration.
SORA is so extremely complicated that many judges and lawyers are relying on seminars and colleagues for guidance. Our office has painstakingly reviewed the current version of the legislation and are ready to help our clients take advantage of the changes.