In the state of Michigan, there are age of consent laws, which govern if sexual activity with a minor or between minors is legal. Any person under the age of 16 cannot legally consent to sexual activity, and engaging in a sexual act with a person under this age could lead to criminal charges. While the term “rape” in a statutory rape charge is to some misleading, these cases are prosecuted as rape because it is held that a person under 16 can’t truly consent to a sexual action.
Grabel & Associates knows the stress that a statutory rape charge can place on you and wants to protect you from harsh criminal penalties including jail time, fines, a criminal record, and potential sex offender registration. Our experienced sex crime attorneys in Grand Rapids have spent over 10 years fighting for the rights of accused sex offenders, and have helped clients avoid wrongful conviction and excessive sentencing. Sex crime cases are often very emotional and sensitive, and it is critical that you have an attorney working with you who is able to separate the emotional details from the facts and make sure the truth comes out throughout investigation and trial.
Anyone over the age of 16 can consent to sexual activity, but underage minors cannot legally consent. Even if a sexual partner says yes to you, if he or she is under the age of 16 statutory rape charges could occur. Because a separate statute doesn’t exist in statutory rape cases, you will be charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct, which could lead to extremely serious criminal penalties. Always speak to an attorney right away if you are accused of a crime and never speak to police before obtaining legal representation.
Even if you (or your child) is under the age of 18 and has sexual relations with a person under the age of consent, he or she can be charged with CSC, and even be registered as a sex offender. If you are under investigation for statutory rape or if someone you care about has been charged with a sex crime, contact Grabel & Associates now for aggressive defense. Our Grand Rapids, MI attorneys are available immediately to begin working with you.
If you are charged with CSC in Michigan, you could face extremely harsh penalties. Sexual penetration with a person under 13 could lead to life imprisonment for 1st degree CSC, while sexual contact could result in second degree charges and up to 15 years behind bars. If the person is between 13 and 16, you could face 15 years behind bars for penetration, and two years in jail for any other contact. In addition, you could be registered as a sex offender.
If the accused is also underage, the case may be heard in juvenile court, although sentencing as an adult is possible. No matter what the details of your statutory rape case, it is critical that you begin working with an attorney as soon as possible and fight to protect your rights and freedom throughout the criminal justice process.
When a person is accused of a sex crime, he or she may feel as if no one will stand with them and make sure their side of the story is heard. Our defense attorneys know the stress you are under and will fight for you throughout the criminal justice process, and for over a decade we have been committed to protecting the rights of citizens statewide. As soon as you or a loved one is accused of statutory rape, call Scott Grabel and the experienced team at Grabel & Associates for a free initial case consultation.
Our skill has been proven in thousands of past criminal cases, and for over 10 years, our Grand Rapids attorneys have been representing clients in serious sex crime cases. Contact our team now for a free initial case consultation and find out more about our effective defense strategies. We know what it takes to win and will not rest until we have done all we can to protect your best interests.
To speak to a sex crimes attorney in Grand Rapids right now, call our 24/7 toll free number, 1-800-342-7896. We will immediately begin working to answer any legal questions you may have and start guarding against aggressive police and prosecutors. Don’t hesitate to contact us and speak with a lawyer, call or contact us online now.