Criminal Sexual Conduct Defense Lawyers in Howell, MI

Providing a Strong Defense for Clients Fighting Sex Crime Charges

Facing a criminal sexual conduct (CSC) charge in Michigan is a serious and scary matter. Not only are there severe penalties like prison and sex offender registration, but your reputation could also be affected by a sex crime conviction. That’s why the caring team at Manley & Manley is dedicated to helping clients like you get the best possible outcome for serious felony or misdemeanor charges.

You deserve the legal assistance of a skilled Howell CSC lawyer who will use their knowledge of the criminal justice system to aggressively fight for you in court. If you’re worried about your future after an arrest for allegedly committing a sex crime, call our Howell, MI, law firm to start building your criminal defense case.

What Are Michigan Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges?

This state categorizes sex offenses into four degrees of criminal sexual conduct (CSC). The crimes in the first degree category are the most serious based on the severity of the sexual act and the age of the victim, but it’s essential to know that all four degrees of offenses can lead to severe criminal penalties.

The degrees of criminal sexual conduct (CSC) in Michigan include:

First degree: This generally involves sexual penetration with a person under the age of 13. You can also be accused of first-degree criminal sexual offenses if the victim was between 13 and 15 and you live with them or are in a position of authority over them. Additionally, if you allegedly injured the victim or were armed with a weapon during the offense, you could be charged with first-degree CSC
Second degree: You can be charged with this type of conduct if you allegedly had sexual contact with a victim under 13 years old, or with a victim between 13 and 15 who you live with or have a position of authority over. If you used force or harmed the victim during the sexual contact, you can also be charged with this type of offense
Third degree: This can describe sexual penetration with force or coercion, also known as rape. You could also be charged with this conduct if the victim was 13 to 15 years old, as they’re below the age of consent, so this is considered statutory rape
Fourth degree: If you’re charged with sexual contact through force or coercion, you could face a fourth-degree charge. You can also be charged if the victim was between 13 and 15 years old and you’re at least five years older, or you’re in a position of authority over them

If you’re facing these or other criminal charges, you should seek legal counsel immediately. Our Howell, MI, law firm has won various criminal sexual conduct cases for clients charged with unwanted sexual penetration, sexual contact, internet sex crimes, indecent exposure, and other serious charges. Call our law office today to speak with a caring defense attorney.

What Penalties Are Possible for a Criminal Sexual Conduct Conviction in Michigan?

Any criminal sexual conduct (CSC) conviction can lead to severe penalties, including jail or prison time and fines. Your specific punishment will depend on your criminal record and whether the crime is a misdemeanor or a felony. The following are the possible penalties for the different degrees of criminal sexual conduct (CSC):

First degree: 25 years to life in prison
Second degree: Up to 15 years in prison
Third degree: Up to 15 years of prison time
Fourth degree: Up to 2 years in jail

Sex offender registration is required for most serious sex crime convictions in Michigan, and you could also face fines, probation, and other penalties. In short, it’s important to talk to a Howell, MI, criminal sexual conduct defense attorney as soon as possible to help protect yourself from serious felony or misdemeanor charges in this state. Call our trusted criminal defense law firm today to learn how a Howell sex crime defense lawyer with extensive experience can help with your case.

How Can an Experienced Attorney Defend You from Sex Crime Allegations?

You might be surprised to find that there are numerous strategies a criminal sexual conduct defense lawyer can take to protect you from serious accusations. In most cases, your defense attorney will begin your case by carefully reviewing the charges and the evidence the prosecution team has against you. At that point, they can strategize a personalized criminal defense plan.

Some of the most effective strategies used in criminal cases in Michigan include:

Disputing the credibility of the evidence, such as witness statements, DNA, written communication, and video footage
Showing that you had consent and did not use force or coercion
Providing an alibi showing that you could not have been at the scene of the crime
Challenging false accusations by someone who wants to harm your reputation
Presenting evidence that the police violated your constitutional rights during or after the arrest

A knowledgeable defense attorney can also determine when it’s best to negotiate a plea agreement to reduce the severity of the charges and penalties. If you’re curious how your Michigan defense attorney would approach your criminal defense case, call our law office today for a consultation.

Why Should You Hire Howell Criminal Defense Attorneys?

Whether you’re facing charges for rape, child pornography, indecent exposure, or other criminal acts, you need legal guidance to reduce your chances of getting life-changing penalties. The attorneys at Manley & Manley regularly handle felony sex offense cases and other criminal matters for clients throughout Michigan, so you can trust us to defend your rights in court.

If you’re losing sleep over felony charges and are ready to face them head-on with help from an experienced attorney, we urge you to contact our Howell, MI, law office at 810-374-0240 today. Our team would be happy to discuss your legal defense options with you before starting your case.