Criminal Sexual Conduct Defense

Few accusations carry such stigma and life-altering consequences as being charged with criminal sexual conduct. In Michigan, these charges threaten more than just your freedom; they threaten your reputation, your career, and your family. Once an allegation is made, the system often assumes guilt before the facts are even examined.

But not every accusation is true, and not every case is what it appears to be. When the stakes are this high, you need an experienced criminal sexual conduct defense attorney who understands the complexity of these cases and knows how to fight back.

Call Now: I’m Ready When You Are.

What My Clients Say

“Here’s the bottom-line: you need to call Shannon Smith if you’re accused of a sex crime. She knows how to stand up in-front of a jury, gain their trust, and earn you back your freedom. If the life and future of you or your loved one is valuable to you, can you afford NOT to have Shannon Smith on your side? There is no one like her when it comes to criminal sexual conduct cases, and the entire criminal defense attorney community knows it.”

– Brian P.

“Energy, enthusiasm, commitment to the client even with the controversial nature of law. Shannon has a keen interest in her trade and demonstrates it in many different ways. Often attorneys will take clients for granted and not help them understand the process. Not with Shannon.”

– Greg B.

“If you have been charged with any type of sex crime Shannon Smith is one of the most aggressive, and knowledgeable attorneys you could hire. She teaches other lawyers how to handle these types of cases. I would highly recommend her.”

– Aaron B.

Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges in Michigan

Michigan law takes sexual offenses extremely seriously. Criminal sexual conduct covers a wide range of behaviors, from unwanted touching to allegations of rape. Even the lowest-level charges can have life-altering consequences.

Penalties may include:

Years or even decades in prison
Lifetime sex offender registration
Loss of custody or parental rights
Damage to your reputation, career, and community standing

Investigations often move quickly, with police, prosecutors, and Child Protective Services (CPS) coordinating efforts. Once charges are filed, prosecutors pursue them aggressively, and the media can amplify the damage before you ever step into a courtroom.

I’ve built my career defending people against criminal sexual conduct charges. I know the law, I know the system, and I know how to dismantle weak or exaggerated claims.

Types of Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

Michigan law defines a wide variety of actions as criminal sexual conduct. Some of these include the following:

Call Now: I’m Ready When You Are.

Other related charges may include solicitation offenses, indecent exposure, and statutory rape. These offenses are classified under four degrees, each carrying different levels of penalties.

First Degree: Involves allegations of sexual penetration with aggravating circumstances, such as the use of force, injury to the victim, or a victim under 13 years old. Punishable by up to life in prison.
Second Degree: Involves allegations of sexual contact (not penetration) under similar circumstances as first degree. Punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Third Degree: Involves sexual penetration with other aggravating factors, such as when the victim is between 13 and 15 years old, or when force or coercion is alleged. Punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Fourth Degree: Involves sexual contact under circumstances that would elevate the offense beyond simple assault. Punishable by up to 2 years in prison.

Regardless of degree, criminal sexual conduct charges could potentially result in being placed on the sex offender registration. To prevent severe damage to your reputation, your career, and your family, it’s crucial that you speak to an experienced sex crimes defense attorney as soon as possible.

Defending Against Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

Defending criminal sexual conduct cases requires a proactive strategy and relentless attention to detail. These cases are rarely straightforward, and the evidence is often far weaker than prosecutors claim.

Here’s how I dismantle these cases:

Challenge the credibility of medical and forensic evidence
Cross-examine mandatory reporters and other witnesses to expose biases or assumptions
Challenge police or investigative procedures that violate constitutional rights
Present alternative explanations for injuries or behavior
File motions to limit prejudicial media coverage or CPS overreach

I also bring in my own team of top investigators, medical professionals, and forensic experts when necessary. The prosecution doesn’t get to control the narrative — I make sure the full story is told.

Justice Doesn’t Intimidate Me. Neither Does Your Case.

Why Choose Shannon Smith Law

When the Stakes Are High, I Don’t Blink.

When your future is on the line, you can’t risk hiring a lawyer who treats your case like just another file.

Criminal sexual conduct defense is what I do. I’ve stood in courtrooms across Michigan fighting these charges, even when the odds looked impossible.

Clients choose me because:

I focus almost exclusively on sex crimes defense cases
I prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
I’ve secured acquittals, reversals, and dismissals in cases other lawyers wouldn’t touch
I never back down from prosecutors, judges, or media pressure
I fight for my clients as if my own life were on the line

If I take your case, you will know you have someone who believes in you, who will listen to your story, and who will fight harder than you thought possible.

Call Now: I’m Ready When You Are.

Contact a Nationally-Recognized Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Today

If you’re facing criminal sexual conduct charges in Michigan, you can’t afford to wait. Prosecutors are already building their case against you, so it’s time to start building yours.