When it comes to alleged sex crimes, the state of Michigan takes an aggressive approach. Those who are accused of a sex crime may be in for a difficult fight, the outcome of which could shape their future for the rest of their lives. A defendant’s reputation and freedom is on the line in these cases, and failing to craft an appropriate criminal defense could lead to an undesirable outcome. Therefore, those accused of a sex crime should think about what they and their attorney can do to combat aggressive prosecutors and raise reasonable doubt as to their guilt.
The first step is to fully understand the charges that an individual faces. One common sex crime allegation is criminal sexual conduct. Though this crime often involves engaging in a sexual act with an individual under the age of 13 or with an individual between ages 13 and 16 when certain factors exist, there are other, perhaps lesser known instances when this law can come into play.
For example, criminal sexual conduct in the first degree has occurred if an individual is aided or abetted by another person and the individual knows that the victim is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless. It is also criminal sexual conduct in the first degree for an individual, aided or abetted, to utilize coercion or force to obtain sexual penetration.
Many criminal laws, including those related to sex crimes, have components that may make them apply to certain circumstances an individual may not think of. Nonetheless, regardless of the law and the underlying situation, an individual facing criminal allegations has a right to an attorney and a right to have a trial. Therefore, it is often in an accused individual’s best interest to fully inform him or herself and decide how best to proceed with a criminal defense. A competent may be of assistance in this process.
Source: Mi.gov, “Section 750.520b,” accessed on Feb. 26, 2016
