If you have been accused of or arrested for a sex crime in Clinton Township, MI, there are two things you absolutely must do to protect your freedom and your future. Sex crime charges are life-altering, and what you say and do now will largely determine what happens next.
First, exercise your constitutional right to remain silent. No matter what the sexual assault allegations are, do not put yourself at risk by trying to explain your side of the story yet. It is no exaggeration – anything you say CAN and WILL be used against you in a court of law.
Second, exercise another right granted by the American legal system. Demand to see a defense attorney. Due to the nature of the alleged criminal offenses, immediately contact a law office with Clinton Township lawyers who specialize in the criminal defense of cases involving illegal sexual activity.
You must know that when you are facing a sex crime charge, not all sexual assault lawyers are created equal. While most attorneys can handle an ordinary criminal offense, only sex crimes attorneys have the specialized knowledge and skill set required to successfully defend a sex crime case.
As you will see from the list below, there are many types of sex crimes in Clinton Township, MI. Some are misdemeanor sex crimes and some are felonies, but all have the potential to negatively impact the rest of your life.
For example, even if you are “only” convicted of a misdemeanor sexual offense in Clinton Township, you still may be required to register as a sex offender. Not only does this brand you for life within the community, you will also face restrictions concerning where you may live or the types of jobs that you may hold.
This is why it is so important to hire a specialist – a sex crimes lawyer in Clinton Township. Michigan state law is very nuanced, and the difference between a misdemeanor charge and a felony conviction can quite literally be the correct interpretation of the statutes.
In general, laws concerning sex crimes in Clinton Township are divided into broad categories:
Here’s the thing – many of these crimes are very similar. Having a specialized criminal sexual conduct attorney who understands the sex laws in Clinton Township, MI can mean the difference between being charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.
The right experienced defense attorney also knows how to put together the best criminal defense that can help you beat sex crime charges in Clinton Township.
As is the case in the rest of the state, there are many sex crimes that you could be charged with in Clinton Township, Michigan. These sex offenses vary in severity and may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, depending upon the specific sex crime. The consequences can be so harsh as to be life-changing.
To better grasp why you need a lawyer who specializes in the criminal defense of sex offenses, take a closer look at the potential penalties if you are convicted of a sex crime in Clinton Township.
Michigan Penal Code Section 750.520b
This type of sexual assault is classified by the use of force or threats, occurrence during the commission of another felony, or when the alleged victim is a minor under the age of 16 (see: what is the age of consent in Michigan?).
Felony – The maximum CSC 1st degree Michigan penalty is life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Michigan Penal Code Section 750.520c
This sex crime occurs under the same circumstances as CSC 1st degree, but involves any non-penetrative criminal sexual contact, such as touching the private parts of the alleged victim.
Felony – CSC 2nd degree sex crimes are punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Michigan Penal Code Section 750.520d
As with criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, this is a sexual penetration sex crime. The difference is, these sex offenses can occur even when both the perpetrator and the alleged victim are willing. However, if someone is not legally able to give consent – they are either mentally incapable or too young, for example – it still qualifies as sexual assault.
In other words, a sex crime case can be made even if the alleged victim does not cooperate with the Clinton Township Police Department or the Macomb County District Attorney.
Felony – The maximum CSC 3rd degree Michigan penalty is up to 15 years in prison.
Michigan Penal Code Section 750.520e
Similar to both CSC 2nd degree and CSC 3rd degree, this sex crime typically involves the unlawful non-penetrative sexual touching of the private parts of a person who cannot legally grant consent.
Misdemeanor – CSC 4th degree sex offenses carry maximum penalties of two years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500.
In addition, being convicted of criminal sexual conduct in Clinton Township will result in court-ordered sex offender registration and lifetime electronic monitoring.
Michigan Penal Code Section 750.335a
Under state law, there are three different degrees of indecent exposure sex crimes in Clinton Township, Michigan:
Misdemeanor – In Clinton Township, MI, acts of indecent exposure are classified as misdemeanor sex offenses. The penalty for indecent exposure is:
Michigan Penal Code Sections 750.338 thru 750.338b
Gross indecency sex offenses typically involve public sex acts.
Felony – Gross indecency sex offenses in Clinton Township, MI carry maximum penalties of a $2,500 fine, five years in prison, or both.
Anyone convicted of gross indecency after sex offender registration – i.e. a sexually delinquent person – can be put in prison indefinitely, from one day to life.
In Clinton Township, MI, there are several sex offenses that can result when the alleged victim is younger than 16. Sex crimes against children are extremely serious and carry the harshest penalties.
Michigan Penal Code Sections 750.145a and 750.145b
These sex offenses involve someone who induces, forces, or coerces a minor under the age of 16 to commit an indecent, depraved, or immoral act.
Felony – Soliciting, enticing, or accosting a child for immoral purposes are all punishable by a fine of up to $4,000 and/or up to four years in prison. The maximum penalties for subsequent convictions are a fine of up to $10,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both.
Michigan Penal Code Section 750.145c
These sex offenses involve the production, possession, copying, or transmission of sexual or erotic depictions of a minor. Child pornography may be on any medium – print, video, sound, mechanical, or digital. These depictions are illegal whether they are originals or reproductions.
Of special relevance, it is considered to be child pornography whether it actually depicts someone underage or just appears to do so. Either way, it is a felony sex charge in Clinton Township, MI.
Felony – Child pornography sex crimes are punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and/or 20 years in prison. However, the maximum penalties worsen to up to $125,000 and 25 years if:
Accessing or seeking to access child sexually abusive material is punishable by up to four years in prison, a fine of $10,000, or both.
The aggravated circumstances listed above increase the maximum penalties to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine.
Knowingly distributing, promoting, or financing child pornography in Clinton Township, MI can mean up to seven years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000.
Again, under aggravated circumstances, the maximum penalties worsen to 15 years in prison, a fine of $75,000, or both.
A second or subsequent violation of any of these sex offenses imposes a mandatory minimum sentencing of five years in prison.
Michigan Penal Code Sections 750.448 thru 750.462a
In Clinton Township, MI, both prostitution and solicitation charges are sex crimes. The exchange of money or goods for sexual favors supports many forms of criminal sexual conduct, including human trafficking and slavery, sexual exploitation, and other sex offenses.
Misdemeanor – For first-time offenders, solicitation and prostitution are relatively minor misdemeanors, each carrying maximum penalties of no more than a $500 fine and/or 93 days in jail. Even second sex offenses of this type are only punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to a year in prison, or both.
Felony – However, after that, things get a lot more serious in a hurry.
A third or subsequent conviction of solicitation or prostitution sex offenses brings about a felony charge with penalties as high as two years in prison and a $2,000 fine.
Solicitation of a minor is a felony punishable by up to 5 five years in prison and/or $10,000 fine. Enticing a minor younger than 16 into prostitution carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
Operating a brothel in Clinton Township, MI is a felony punishable with maximum penalties of five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
Sex crimes related to sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, or sexual slavery are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. These include:
Obviously, being charged with a sex offense in Clinton Township is a rest-of-your life situation. So, when the stakes are this high, you need a sex crimes attorney with the experience, expertise, reputation, and passion to fight for your rights and your future.
With almost 50 years of combined experience dealing with sex crimes in Michigan between them, Attorneys Nicole Blank Becker and Christopher Coyle are your first and best resources when you need to mount sexual assault defense strategies for a sex crime in Clinton Township, MI.
To receive a free initial case consultation, please use this contact form. Send information about your case for review and follow-up. As always, your confidential or sensitive information will be safely and securely protected.
Now is not the time to settle for second best. Attorney Nicole Blank Becker and her legal team at Blank Law, PC are ready to fight for your rights, your freedom, and your future.