Frequently Asked Questions

Do not talk to the police, CPS, or investigators without an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Call an experienced sex crimes lawyer immediately.

Yes. Many criminal sexual conduct cases rely on testimony alone, even when no physical evidence exists. That’s why cross-examining witnesses and challenging credibility is crucial.

Most criminal sexual conduct convictions require sex offender registration, often for life. Avoiding registration is a critical goal of defense, and something I defend my clients against in almost every case.

Yes. False or mistaken allegations happen more often than people realize, especially in custody disputes or situations involving children.

Criminal sexual conduct convictions are typically not eligible for expungement in Michigan, which makes fighting the charges from the start essential.

Yes. Juveniles can face the same charges as adults, and in some cases, they may even be tried in adult court. That’s why it’s crucial to have an attorney experienced in juvenile criminal sexual conduct cases on your side.

Juvenile court focuses more on rehabilitation, while adult court imposes harsher penalties, including prison time. I fight to keep cases in juvenile court whenever possible.

Penalties may include detention, probation, counseling, and in some cases, mandatory sex offender registration. If your child is tried in adult court, the penalties could include jail time. The long-term impact can be life-changing.

Possibly. Some juvenile criminal sexual conduct convictions require sex offender registration, though I fight aggressively to prevent that outcome.

Yes. Michigan’s laws allow prosecutors to charge teens for consensual activity if there’s a certain age gap. These are often called “Romeo and Juliet” cases. Highlighting the murky nature of these allegations is often a priority when mounting a defense.

Yes. False or mistaken accusations happen, sometimes due to regret, custody battles, or pressure from others. I know how to expose these situations.

This is the most common scenario that results in a person facing false or mistaken sexual assault allegations. I work to uncover evidence such as texts, calls, or witness accounts that can demonstrate consent. I also focus on cross-examination and challenging witness statements.

Yes, but if prosecutors argue the person was too intoxicated to consent, it can complicate the case. This is often a critical area of defense.

Michigan law says minors under 16 cannot consent to sexual activity. These cases require a highly strategic defense because consent is not legally recognized.

Most sexual assault convictions require registration, often for life. Avoiding conviction is the best way to avoid registration.

Yes. Licensing boards often begin investigations based on allegations alone. Your defense must address both the criminal case and the professional consequences.

I’ve successfully filed motions to limit media coverage and work with clients to manage publicity. In many cases, the press loses interest when the case is handled strategically.

Penalties depend on the degree of the charge. They range from jail time and fines to mandatory sex offender registration, decades-long prison terms, and even life sentences.

A quick response can protect your license, your career, and even influence how prosecutors and the media view your case. Delaying only makes the damage harder to undo.

Yes. I’ve defended doctors, teachers, professors, nurses, and executives. I know how to address the unique risks professionals face when accused of sexual misconduct.

Typically, both Child Protective Services (CPS) and law enforcement launch an immediate investigation. This may include interviewing the child, contacting teachers or doctors, and reviewing medical records. These investigations often lead to criminal charges that carry the possibility of decades in prison and mandatory sex offender registration.

Yes. Many child sexual abuse cases rely heavily on testimony, often from a single child or accuser. Juries can be swayed by these statements even when medical evidence is weak or absent. That’s why challenging the credibility of the evidence and the way interviews were conducted is critical.

Extremely serious. A conviction can result in mandatory minimum prison sentences, lifetime placement on the sex offender registry, and permanent loss of parental rights. Even an accusation alone can damage your reputation and relationships beyond repair.

False or exaggerated allegations do happen, especially during custody disputes or when children are influenced by adults. I know how to uncover inconsistencies, expose coaching or suggestive questioning, and bring the full truth to light.

CPS can seek temporary removal during an investigation, especially if the allegations involve your own child or children in your care. I work quickly to challenge unnecessary removals and protect your parental rights while we fight the criminal charges.

Yes. Even possession alone can result in years in prison and mandatory registration.

Accidental downloads can occur, and that can be part of your defense. But not knowing the age of the person is not a legal defense under Michigan law.

In most cases, law enforcement will seize computers, phones, or other devices. I know how to challenge the methods they used to collect that evidence.

Federal penalties are often harsher, with longer prison sentences and stricter registration requirements. Both require immediate, aggressive defense.

Yes. Even teenagers can face charges for sharing explicit images of themselves or others. I have defended sexting cases and know how to handle these sensitive situations.