Corpus Delecti and Criminal Sexual Conduct
In cases of criminal sexual conduct there must be evidence that a crime was committed other than a statement by the accused. This means that there has to be an alleged victim claiming something happened, an eyewitness who saw something happened, physical evidence such as DNA, etc. A complainant’s word alone is sufficient evidence as long as […]
Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct
In Michigan, there are four separate degrees of criminal sexual conduct, which is commonly referred to as CSC. Each degree of CSC has several elements that must be met in order for an accused person to be prosecuted for a crime of criminal sexual conduct. Third degree criminal sexual conduct is based on allegations of […]
Accusations of Statutory Rape
In most jurisdictions, a statutory rape occurs when there is unlawful intercourse engaged in with a person under the age of consent. The sexual activities involved can be consensual, and do not have to be against the under aged person’s will. The statute, in the particular state where the unlawful sexual activity occurs, defines the […]
When Parents Become Involved in Crimes of Criminal Sexual Conduct
It comes as no surprise when a child or teen is charged with a crime of criminal sexual conduct that the parent of the minor would want to become involved with the investigation. However, there is a line that can be crossed where a parent can become too involved in the allegations, and the consequences […]
Sex Offender Registry Concerns
When charged with a crime of criminal sexual conduct, many people become frightened and unaware of the punishments that could come along with the charge. There could be restrictions on where you can chose to live or work, along with the burden of being on the list of registered sex offenders. Also, some could face […]
False Memories of Child Abuse and Sex Crimes
The McMartin Preschool case was the longest criminal case to ever take place in the United States. The McMartins, and several staff members, were accused of sexually abusing children at the preschool they ran in Manhattan Beach, California. The allegations began with one child and eventually erupted to bring 321 counts of sexual abuse of […]
Allegations Involving Children
When an adult is accused of a crime of criminal sexual conduct against a minor, action needs to be taken against that accusation immediately. Criminal sexual conduct matters involving children are very serious issues that can carry high levels of punishment. Sometimes, however, the evidence against the accused is minimal and involves the word of […]
False Accusations of Criminal Sexual Conduct
False accusations of criminal sexual conduct are all too common in today’s world. Shannon Smith has helped numerous people defend false allegations, both before charges and after charges were issued. These cases have high stakes — the punishments often include potential prison time and registration as a sex offender. For more information about our specific […]
Criminal Sexual Conduct Allegations Against Teachers
When a teacher is accused of having a sexual relationship with a student, or other types of sexual encounters with a student, it is considered to be a crime of criminal sexual conduct. Misconceptions arise out of these cases, especially when the teacher is an attractive female, and suggest that these situations may be treated […]
Rapes on Men
A common misconception is that all perpetrators of criminal sexual conduct, particularly rape or sexual assault, are male. Until 2012, the definition of rape as given by the FBI was strictly directed towards female victims; however, the definition no longer includes the specific sex of the victim because rape allegations against women are arising more […]