Sex Crimes
In Michigan, rape or sexual assault crimes are referred to as criminal sexual conduct or CSC.
These charges range between first and fourth degree. Typically, first and third degree CSC involves penetration, while second and fourth degree CSC result from some other form of contact. With charges involving minor children, this is an area of the law where false allegations, distortions, and witness manipulation often affect the results of the case. One form of Criminal Sexual Conduct charge is what is commonly referred to as 'statutory rape'. This is the situation where the sexual encounter involves a person who is less than 16 years of age and therefore not legally able to give consent. Statutory rape charges are just as serious as any other rape charge and need to be handled correctly. The charges brought against you will depend on the allegations made, as well as by the discretionary decisions of the prosecuting attorney.
The possible penalties for Criminal Sexual Conduct, Rape, or Child Molestation are severe.
Jail time for sexual assault crimes can last for decades, with some offenses carrying possible life sentences. Even for convictions of a lesser degree of CSC, the penalties are severe. With few exceptions, anyone convicted of sex related crimes in Michigan will be registered and listed on Michigan's Sex Offender Registry (MSOR) for at least 25 years. A second or subsequent offense will require that an offender register on the MSOR for life. This includes juvenile offenders as well, although they generally do not join the public registry until they reach the age of eighteen. Some convicted sex offenders are now subject to mandatory GPS (global positioning satellite) monitoring once they get out of prison. Registered sex offenders are now required to post their pictures on the internet and are therefore subject to considerable harassment.
Note: The Michigan Sex Offender Registry has been reinstated pending further judicial review.
The contents of your computer are also subject to search.
Consider carefully the material you allow to show up on your computer, or in your home. In a large number of CSC investigations, police are obtaining search warrants and seizing personal computers and sexually explicit materials. The computer is then sent to the FBI or Michigan State Police crime lab to have the hard drive examined. Much of what is available on the internet can form the basis of a criminal charge if it shows up on your computer. Also, some courts will allow evidence of pornography on a home computer to be admitted even though the allegations have little to do with pornography.
