The state of Michigan takes juvenile sex crimes very seriously, and because of the way certain laws are enforced, sometimes even consensual sex acts can result in serious criminal penalties. Grabel & Associates aggressively defends minors who have been charged with a sex crime in Michigan, and we will defend you or your juvenile child after harmful sex offense accusations. In addition to jail time, fines, and a potential criminal record, offenders could carry the negative stigma of a sex crime conviction for years after the offense, especially if the case is serious enough to warrant sentencing as an adult. Our juvenile lawyers fight to protect the rights of clients statewide, and will help you explore every legal option so that you can determine what the most beneficial possibilities are.
Anyone under the age of 18 who is charged with a crime should contact an experienced Michigan defense lawyer as soon as possible. No matter what charge you face, police and prosecutors will be working to gather evidence against you, and accusations you might feel you can brush off could lead to serious, life-changing punishment if you fail to work with a skilled attorney. Our team of criminal defense lawyers is available 24/7 to begin working with you in your Michigan juvenile sex offense case, and we have the knowledge and experience needed to defend against criminal conviction.
A person must be 16 years of age to consent to any sexual activity according to Michigan law, and anyone who engages in sexual contact with a person under the age of 16 is subject to statutory rape charges. Even if the alleged offender was also a minor at the time of the offense, statutory rape charges can result, which could lead to conviction in juvenile court. If the age difference is large, more serious punishment could apply.
Contact a Michigan sex crimes defense lawyer now if a loved one has been charged with statutory rape. We understand how difficult it can be when a consensual sex act is portrayed as a crime, and will walk you through the steps you need to take in order to fight for a beneficial case outcome.
Another common juvenile sex crime is sexting, which involves sending sexually explicit pictures, video, or other multimedia messages through cell phones, social networks, email, or other means. Sending or receiving “sexts” can result in criminal charges, and Michigan does not yet have a law specifically for sexting. Unfortunately, this means that any sexting offense could lead to extremely serious child pornography charges, no matter what the ages of the alleged offenders or victims are.
The attorneys at Grabel & Associates understand your frustration when life-changing penalties are on the table after a childish mistake. Oftentimes, juvenile offenders don’t even realize sexting is illegal. Our attorneys will work with you to determine the best legal strategies for every stage of your case, and will not rest until every possible option has been explored.
Statutory rape, sexting, and other juvenile sex crimes including sexual abuse of a minor, internet solicitation of a minor, criminal sexual conduct, indecent exposure or lewd conduct, rape, and more could affect your child’s ability to work, go to college, or receive loans and scholarships. The experienced lawyers at Grabel & Associates will review every detail of your case in order to determine what really happened, how to best protect the rights and freedom of those involved, and what sentencing options should be explored. While it is wrong to assume that juvenile offenders will not face serious punishment, it is possible to avoid time in a correctional facility and even avoid a permanent record in many cases. Working with an attorney who understands juvenile law and how to defend clients who face sex crime charges will help you achieve the best possible result, and our lawyers are available now to begin protecting your child’s freedom and future while guarding against aggressive police and prosecutor tactics.
Our firm is available 24/7 to take your call, and if you are under the age of 18 and facing a criminal charge, or if you are a parent of a child facing criminal charges, we can provide you with a free, confidential consultation right now. Call 1-800-342-786 immediately from anywhere in Michigan and speak to a case analyst who will help you understand what steps you need to take in your criminal defense case. Alternatively, contact our firm online and ask to set up a free case consultation, so that we can answer any legal questions you may have at the time that works best for you.