New Baltimore, MI Sex Crimes Attorney

Across the State of Michigan in 2014, there were 3,016 victims of first-degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC), compared to 1,103 victims of third-degree CSC. This statistic doesn’t include criminal sexual conduct involving oral, anal, and sexual penetration through the use of an object. As you can see, sex crimes comprise a wide legal definition, and the term also includes everything from Internet Sex Crimes and Sexting to Prostitution and Indecent Exposure.

With such a wide legal definition and the profound emotional turmoil involving these crimes, it can be difficult to understand the full ramifications of a crime, including the consequences. Even if you have been accused of a sex crime, the accusation can tatter your reputation, career, family life, friendships, and many other parts of your life.

Furthermore, the State of Michigan and the New Baltimore Municipal Courts, especially the 42^nd District Court right here in New Baltimore, are extremely diligent in uncovering the truth in sex crimes cases. Penalties for these crimes are often quite severe, and can result in registering as a sex offender, large fines, and possibly jail time. Keep in mind that the men and women of the 42^nd District Court, though entirely professional and good people, sometimes find it difficult to drop prejudices regarding accused sex crime offenders. At Grabel & Associates, our criminal defense attorneys fully believe in the constitutional right that you are innocent until proven guilty.

It is for these reasons, and many others, why you need an aggressive, knowledgeable, and compassionate sex crimes attorney to defend you in New Baltimore and Michigan courts. Since 1999, we at Grabel & Associates have provided rigorous defense strategies to thousands of clients. No matter the accusation, we have prior experience with all sex crimes to give you the best possible chance in fighting the accusation.

When accused of a sex crime, the first step is to not panic and contact Grabel & Associates at 1-800-342-7896 for an emergency consultation. We will immediately evaluate your case. Next, if possible, continue reading below to better understand sex crimes in New Baltimore, MI.

What Constitutes a Sex Crime?

According to Michigan State Law, there are four degrees of CSC, and they cover a range of sexual contact as well as levels of force or intimidation.

• First Degree CSC, felony:
  • Defined by sexual penetration of any kind and one of the following circumstances:
  • Victim under 13
  • Victim 14, 15, or 16 and one of the following:
    • member of the same household
    • related by blood or affinity
    • assailant in position of authority over victim
  • Victim under 13
  • Victim 14, 15, or 16 and one of the following:
    • victim is mentally incapable, incapacitated, or physically helpless
    • assailant uses force or coercion to accomplish sexual penetration
  • Weapon Involved
  • Force or coercion and personal injury (bodily injury, disfigurement, mental anguish, chronic pain, pregnancy, disease, or loss or impairment of a sexual or reproductive organ)
  • Personal injury and victim incapacity
  • Victim incapacity and one of the following:
    • related by blood or marriage
    • assailant in position of authority over victim
  • Penalty for First Degree CSC:
    • Depending on the nature of the crime, First Degree CSC is often punishable by 25 to life in prison. The accused is also subject to a lifetime of electronic monitoring.
• Second Degree CSC, felony:
  • Defined by sexual contact, which includes intentional touching of intimate parts or clothing covering intimate parts, as well as any of the circumstances listed under First Degree CSC.
  • Penalty for Second Degree CSC:
    • Punishable by up to 15 years in prison. If accused is over 17 and victim is under 13, the accused is subject to a lifetime of electronic monitoring.
• Third Degree CSC, felony:
  • Defined by penetration through force or coercion, victim incapacity, statutory rape, and other circumstances.
  • Penalty for Third Degree CSC:
    • Punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
• Fourth Degree CSC, misdemeanor:
  • Defined by sexual contact through force or coercion, victim incapacity, statutory rape, and other circumstances.
  • Penalty for Fourth Degree CSC:
    • Punishable by up to 2 years in prison and/or fine of $500.

Providing an Aggressive Sex Crimes Defense

When falsely accused of a sex crime, the associated stress can be unbearable. Some common questions we hear at Grabel & Associates include “What will people think of me?” “Will I lose my job?” “Will I have to register as a sex offender?” With over 16 years defending clients from New Baltimore and Lansing, as well as across the entire state, we fully understand the stigma associated with an accusation. From the minute you call us until the court’s verdict, we’ll coach you on what to say friends, family, and other associates. Remember, your actions and even words can have a detrimental effect on your case in court.

Things can become more complicated when a sex crime offense follows a break-up, divorce, a fight, or motivation for revenge. To give you a comprehensive, aggressive sex crimes defense, our criminal defense attorneys conduct a diligent investigation while scrutinizing every piece of evidence to reveal weaknesses in the accusation and the prosecution’s case. From relentless cross-examination of all witnesses to the use of our own resources, including medical professionals, we will thoroughly analyze every aspect of your case. We will aggressively employ our arsenal of legal tactics to protect you from sex crime accusations and charges in the state of Michigan.

Contact Grabel & Associates

With a prolific record of accomplishment in the 42nd District Court in New Baltimore as well as courts across Michigan, we have helped many clients avoid jail time or other punishments. Therefore, Grabel & Associates can give you full protection under state and federal laws. Your future is on the line, which means that you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the leading criminal defense and sex crimes attorneys in New Baltimore, MI. Call us immediately, toll free, 24 hours a day at 1-800-342-7896 if you or someone you know is facing a sex crime charge.

Additionally, you can contact our offices by email to arrange a free consultation with expert sex crime defense attorney, Scott Grabel. Our sex crime lawyers are ready to provide the best advice in your criminal defense case, and will give you a decided edge in fighting for your reputation and freedom. Contact us now to get started.