Many people wrongly assume that just because a younger person consents to sex, there is no risk of criminal charges. In the state of Michigan, a person cannot legally consent to sex if he or she is under the age of 16, and anyone who has sex with a person under the age of 16 is subject to criminal prosecution. Even if you too were underage at the time of the alleged offense, statutory rape charges can result, and you could be punished as if you are a child sex abuse offender. Contact with an Ann Arbor sex crime attorney from Grabel & Associates right away if you are accused of statutory rape in Ann Arbor. A sex crime conviction could drastically change your life, and only by working with the best possible attorney can you be sure you are properly protected throughout the criminal justice process.
Our experienced firm has been working in Michigan sex crime cases for over a decade, and our team members have developed the skills needed to effectively represent you throughout investigation and potential trial. Don’t hesitate to contact an attorney, as the penalties you could face if convicted are severe, and police and prosecutors will use the early stages of your case to gather evidence against you. Be prepared for the aggressive investigative tactics used by police by hiring an experienced Ann Arbor statutory rape attorney. We will immediately begin fighting to help you achieve a great case outcome.
When you are accused of statutory rape, you may initially be surprised that the actions you allegedly committed are even illegal. Even though you may have had sex with a verbally consenting partner or even someone you are in a committed relationship with, criminal charges can result because of parents or others who get involved. In some cases, two consenting minors commit sexual acts and one is charged with statutory rape, even though there is little or no age difference between the two. Because of the variety of different situations which can lead to statutory rape charges, cases can be very complex, and those who have been accused will require experienced legal representation throughout the criminal justice process. Contact Grabel & Associates now for a free initial case consultation and learn more about our effective sex crimes defense approach.
Because there is not specific law for statutory rape offenders, conviction can lead to the same penalties as a Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) conviction would. The specific sentence you could face will then depend on the age of the alleged victim, and the actions committed. Sexual penetration with a person under 13 or between 13 and 16 accompanied by one of the conditions set out in Section 750.520b of the Penal Code, you could face life imprisonment for 1st degree CSC. Sexual contact with a person below thirteen or between thirteen and sixteen accompanied by one of the set conditions could lead to a sentence of up to 15 years for 2nd degree CSC, while sexual penetration with a person between 13 and 16 could also result in 15 years behind bars. If penetration does not occur and the alleged victim is over 13 and under 16, a potential sentence of up to two years in prison is possible.
In addition, you could face sex offender registration and other serious penalties which will alter your future and affect you for years to come. Contact our team now to fight back against harsh conviction.
We believe that every client should receive the highest standard of defense and are dedicated to spending as much time as necessary on every detail of your case so that you can be sure you are properly protected. Our attorneys will walk you through the steps you need to take to achieve your legal goals, and we will provide you with an individualized defense strategy tailored to those unique goals which will help guide your legal decisions throughout your case. You need the best possible Michigan sex crimes defense lawyer, and our proven results demonstrate why we are considered a top tier Michigan firm. Contact us immediately to get started.
24/7 Criminal Defense Hotline in Ann Arbor, Michigan
To speak with an attorney, call 1-800-342-7896 immediately. You can also contact us online and even set up a free initial case consultation with trial lawyer Scott Grabel. Act quickly so that you can secure the best available case result – sex crime cases are often time sensitive which is why we are dedicated to 24/7 availability. Grabel & Associates is ready right now to begin defending you in your Ann Arbor statutory rape case.