Michigan

Criminal Sexual Conduct Lawyer

A sex crime accusation is not something to take lightly. While penalties for sex crime convictions in Michigan can vary depending on the degree and the severity of the case, all penalties are serious and many convictions lead to mandatory sex offender registration.

Anyone can be charged with a criminal sexual conduct charge. At Smith Lehman, we have represented juveniles, professionals, and even educators who have been accused of criminal sexual conduct. The accusation by itself can be detrimental to relationships and even careers.

But you don’t have to go through your defense process alone. Experienced criminal sexual conduct defense attorneys know the laws in Michigan and how to defend you against these types of charges. Our legal team at Smith Lehman has over 25 years of combined experience successfully defending clients charged with serious sexual conduct offenses.

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A sex crime accusation is not something to take lightly. While penalties for sex crime convictions in Michigan can vary depending on the degree and the severity of the case, all penalties are serious and many convictions lead to mandatory sex offender registration.

Anyone can be charged with a criminal sexual conduct charge. At Smith Blythe, we have represented juveniles, professionals, and even educators who have been accused of criminal sexual conduct. The accusation by itself can be detrimental to relationships and even careers.

But you don’t have to go through your defense process alone. Experienced criminal sexual conduct defense attorneys know the laws in Michigan and how to defend you against these types of charges. Our legal team at Smith Blythe has over 25 years of combined experience successfully defending clients charged with serious sexual conduct offenses.

What is criminal sexual conduct?

Criminal sexual conduct is any type of unwanted or forced sexual crime. The laws regarding criminal sexual conduct are gender neutral and include multiple types of sexual contact up to and including penetration. All of these types of charges contain a level of assaultive conduct, so they typically deal with levels of force or intimidation. (Sexual indecency, for example, would not be considered criminal sexual conduct as it lacks this type of assaultive nature.)

Some examples of these types of charges include:

  • Sexual assault
  • Rape
  • Child molestation
  • Sexual abuse
  • Solicitation of a minor
  • Internet sex crimes
  • Distribution of sexual material to minors
  • Failure to register as a sex offender
  • Sexual assault
  • Rape
  • Child molestation
  • Sexual abuse
  • Solicitation of a minor
  • Internet sex crimes
  • Distribution of sexual material to minors
  • Failure to register as a sex offender

In Michigan, there are four degrees of these types of sex crimes, which we explain on our Degrees of Sexual Criminal Conduct page.

Briefly, the degrees are defined as follows:

1

Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree

Those who are accused of sexual criminal conduct in the first degree are accused of engaging in sexual penetration with a person under the age 13.
2

Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree

People accused of second degree criminal sexual conduct are accused of engaging in non-penetrative sexual contact with someone under the age of 13 OR between the ages of 13 and 16 under certain circumstances.
3

Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree

Criminal sexual conduct in the third degree involves forced penetration with another person.
4

Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Fourth Degree

And the fourth degree of criminal sexual penetration is when someone is accused of engaging in non-penetrative sexual contact with another person.

It can be difficult to determine whether someone is going to be charged with first, second, third, or fourth degree criminal sexual conduct when people are making up allegations. For example, someone may believe they have been accused of touching someone inappropriately, but when we receive the police report, we find out that the other person has alleged penetration.

That’s why it’s so important to have a lawyer who knows the nuances between the four degrees and therefore can work on the best defense for your situation.

Penalties for criminal sexual conduct in Michigan

Penalties for these sexual conduct crimes vary depending on their degree. For example, criminal sexual crimes in the first, second, and third degree are all considered felonies. Criminal sexual acts in the fourth degree are misdemeanors but are treated as a felony due to the potential penalty if convicted.

Here are the penalties according to degree under Michigan law:

  • First degree – Life in prison
  • Second degree – Up to 15 years in prison, as well as lifetime monitoring
  • Third degree – Up to 15 years in jail
  • Fourth degree – Up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $500

Our goal at Smith Blythe is to ensure everyone gets a fair trial, and that your story is told.

Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
"
Shannon was truly a blessing in my family’s most tremulous time. I was falsely accused of sexual assault through both local police and my university. Shannon was able to calm not only myself but my entire family. Shannon knew every area to cover and made sure it was done promptly and professionally. Her knowledge of local law enforcement officials and connections allowed us to learn of any new or pending updates as well as prepare proper work. Due to all of Shannon’s great work and patience the truth came to light, and I was never charged with any crime.”
~ Prior Client

"

Shannon was truly a blessing in my family’s most tremulous time. I was falsely accused of sexual assault through both local police and my university. Shannon was able to calm not only myself but my entire family. Shannon knew every area to cover and made sure it was done promptly and professionally. Her knowledge of local law enforcement officials and connections allowed us to learn of any new or pending updates as well as prepare proper work. Due to all of Shannon’s great work and patience the truth came to light, and I was never charged with any crime.”

~ Prior Client

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Contact Smith Lehman to get started on your defense today

Our goal at Smith Lehman is to ensure everyone gets a fair trial, and that your story is told. If you or someone you know has been accused of a criminal sexual act, call our office today at (248) 636-2595 so that we can start working with you on your best defense.

Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
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Fill out the form with the details of your situation to get started.

    Are you a new client? Yes, I am a potential new client.No, I am a current existing client.I'm neither

    Contact Smith Blythe to get started on your defense today

    Our goal at Smith Blythe is to ensure everyone gets a fair trial, and that your story is told. If you or someone you know has been accused of a criminal sexual act, call our office today at (248) 636-2595 so that we can start working with you on your best defense.

    Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
    Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
    Call 248-636-2595 for a free consultation
    View map of our location
    View map of our location
    View map of our location

    Fill out the form with the details of your situation to get started.

      Are you a new client? Yes, I am a potential new client.No, I am a current existing client.I'm neither