STATUTORY RAPE – AGE OF ACCUSER
While Michigan does not have an actual criminal charge of “Statutory Rape”, the term is often used interchangably when talking about a person’s age and whether or not that person can legally consent to sexual relations. Below you will find information about how the age of consent is an integral part of the charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct, no matter what degree.
THE AGE OF CONSENT IN MICH IGAN IS 16 YEARS OLD
Statutory rape occurs when someone over the age of consent (16 years old and older) engages in any kind of sexual contact with a minor (15 years old or under). Per the law in Michigan, for purposes of Criminal Sexual Conduct charges, a person who is 16 years old or older is considered an adult and can consent to sexual relations. While a person who is 15 years old or younger is considered a minor, and cannot consent to sexual relations.
BREAK DOWN:
0 years old – 15 years old: Child – CANNOT consent to sexual relations.
16 years old – above 16 years old: Adult – CAN consent to sexual relations.
A minor, someone 15 years old and younger, CAN NOT, under ANY circumstances, consent to sexual relations of any kind with another person.
Therefore, if an adult (16 years and older) has sexual contact with a minor (15 years and younger), the adult (the 16 year old) can be charged with the crime of Criminal Sexual Conduct.
Statutory rape laws are notorious for convicting and subsequently ruining the lives of otherwise model teenagers with slightly younger sex partners. As a result of a conviction on a statutory rape case, the penalty may include registration on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry.
Having to register with the Michigan Sex Offender Registry is a black mark on your record forever. Sex offender registration ruins any possibility of teenagers advancing their lives to their full potential.