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Lawyer and judge speaking next to the criminal in handcuffs

Marquette Criminal Sexual Conduct Lawyer

Sex crimes are treated very seriously in Michigan. Any crime that is sexual in nature or intent is a sex crime. Allegations of any sex crime can easily destroy your career, reputation, and social standing. If convicted, you could not only face time in jail or prison, but you will also be added to Michigan’s public Sex Offender Registry. Criminal sexual conduct is a vile crime to be accused of in Marquette. As a result, Michigan prosecutors are extremely aggressive in pursuing these charges to the maximum. It is absolutely crucial you hire a powerful, insistent criminal sexual conduct lawyer to fight for you.

Criminal Sexual Conduct Lawyer | Protecting Your Future & Reputation

Don’t make the mistake of facing these charges on your own. A conviction will drastically alter the course of your life. Instead, simply speak with a seasoned Marquette sex crimes lawyer from Berger Law for help.

Michigan’s Different Degrees Of Criminal Sexual Conduct

There are four degrees of criminal sexual conduct in Marquette. Each degree varies in severity, although none should be treated lightly.

  • 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

To be convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, the prosecution must prove that there was penetration. The prosecution must also prove one of the following to be true: the victim was age 13 or under, the assailant used a weapon, the assailant used force or coercion, or the assailant was in a position of authority over the victim.

  • 2nd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Second-degree criminal sexual conduct does not require penetration. Rather, it involves intimate touching of the genital area. This can include the thigh.

Similar to first-degree criminal sexual conduct, the prosecution must also prove one of the following to be true: the victim was age 13 or under, the victim was a family member of the assailant, or the assailant was in a position of authority over the victim

  • 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Criminal sexual conduct of the third degree involves the victim being penetrated. Also, one of the following must be true: the victim was unable to consent due to a mental disability, the assailant used force or coercion during the offense, or the victim was under the age of 16.

The age of consent is 16 in Michigan. Often, third-degree criminal sexual conduct is referred to as “statutory rape.”  In other words, third-degree CSC comes into play when teenagers consent to have sex, but one person involved was under the age of 16.

  • 4th Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.

Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct does not involve penetration. In this instance, the victim is touched in a sexual or intimate manner. Along with being touched, the assailant also was in a position of authority over the victim, used force to commit the offense, or the victim was mentally disabled.

Penalties

Conviction of criminal sexual conduct carries some of the greatest penalties in Michigan. The first three degrees of criminal sexual conduct are felony offenses. If you are facing allegations of any sex crime, you need to hire a prepared lawyer.

Here, we’ll look at the penalties for each degree of criminal sexual conduct.

  • 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Conviction of first-degree criminal sexual conduct is a felony punishable by life in prison and life on the Michigan sex offender registry.

If the victim was under the age of 13, there is a 25-year mandatory minimum sentence.

  • 2nd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Conviction of second-degree criminal sexual conduct is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and 25 years on the Michigan sex offender registry.

  • 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Conviction of third-degree criminal sexual conduct is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and registration for life on the Michigan sex offender registry.

  • 4th Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Conviction of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $500, or both. While not mandatory, registration on the Michigan sex offender registry may be required.

Why a Marquette Criminal Sexual Conduct Attorney Can Help You

The penalties for any conviction of criminal sexual conduct are extremely damaging. Even being accused of such acts can irreparably harm your life.

Don’t take any chances. A Marquette criminal sexual conduct lawyer at Berger Law prepares endlessly for cases of CSC. We do not want to see members of our community falsely accused of terrible offenses, or be unduly punished because of public perception. Our team is available 24/7 to talk through your case and ensure the story is set straight.

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