Articles Posted in Sex Crimes

Michigan has established laws that regulate the age at which individuals can legally consent to sexual activities. These laws are put in place to protect minors from exploitation and ensure their safety. However, understanding Michigan’s age of consent law can be challenging to navigate, as it involves various factors such as age differences, specific types of sexual activities, and potential legal consequences. When faced with legal issues pertaining to Michigan’s age of consent law, seeking the guidance of a knowledgeable lawyer can be crucial. If you are facing accusations, need advice on common defenses against sex crime charges, or require...

Recently, a state appellate court issued a written opinion in a Michigan sex assault case discussing the defendant’s challenge to the lower court’s finding that he waived his rights before taking a polygraph test. The case highlights the importance of speaking with a Michigan criminal defense attorney before agreeing to speak with detectives or give up any of your rights when you could face serious allegations. The Facts of the Case According to the court’s opinion, detectives suspected the defendant of sexually assaulting his daughter. During their investigation, detectives asked the defendant if he would take a polygraph test, otherwise...

The Court of Appeals recently reviewed a Michigan defendant’s appeal of his criminal sexual conduct conviction. Amongst several issues, the defendant argued that his statements were involuntary because he was impaired due to prescription medication. The case stems from an interaction between the defendant and the victim during a marijuana transaction. The facts indicate that the defendant and complainant drove to the defendant’s friend’s apartment to purchase marijuana. The victim contends that the defendant sexually assaulted her in the car twice. However, the defendant asserts that although the complainant refused at first, she allowed him to touch her and have...

When it comes to the type of evidence that is admissible at trial – especially a criminal trial – not all evidence that favors a party’s position will be admissible. The Michigan Rules of Evidence provide a framework that judges must use to determine whether the jury should hear the evidence offered by a party. As a general rule, only relevant evidence is admissible at trial. When it comes to prior criminal convictions, the general rule is that a conviction is not admissible unless certain criteria are met. In a recent Michigan sexual assault case, a state appellate court reviewed...

Earlier this month, a state appellate court issued an opinion in a Michigan sexual assault case requiring the court to determine if the prosecution presented sufficient evidence to sustain the defendant’s conviction. Ultimately, the court determined that the evidence was sufficient, and affirmed the defendant’s convictions and sentences. The Facts of the Case According to the court’s opinion, the defendant’s niece’s friend asked for a ride from Ann Arbor to Chicago. The defendant agreed. On the way, the defendant asked the young woman if she would have sex with him at a hotel. She declined each time he asked. Eventually,...

Earlier this year, a state appellate court issued a written opinion in a Michigan sexual assault case discussing when a person’s communication with a cleric is privileged. Ultimately, the court concluded that the defendant’s confession to his pastor was not privileged and, thus, was admissible. The Facts of the Case According to the court’s opinion, the defendant’s wife found text messages on the defendant’s phone suggesting he was having a sexual relationship with a child under the age of 12. The defendant confessed to his wife that he was having a romantic relationship with the child, and that they were...

Given the contagious nature of COVID-19, courts across the country are wrestling with how to carry out criminal trials without unnecessarily exposing everyone involved to the virus. Last month, a state appellate court issued a written opinion in a Michigan sexual assault case discussing an issue that will almost certainly have long-lasting implications in the post-COVICD-19 world. The case required the court to determine whether a defendant’s state and federal right to confront his witnesses was violated when the trial court allowed a key witness to testify over video. The Facts of the Case According to the court’s opinion, the...

“Sexting” is the practice of sending and receiving sexually charged and sexually explicit text, images, and videos. Sexting can be done via text message, email, through social media, or through other means. Many different actions fall into the category of “sexting.” These include: Knowingly possessing an image or video of a minor engaged in sexual activity or posing in a sexual manner; Sharing, selling, or promoting a sexually explicit image or video of a minor; and Encouraging, coercing, or persuading a minor to share sexually explicit images or videos or him- or herself or to create this type of imagery...

One big defense is, “I didn’t do it. I’m not guilty.” Many times there can be a situation where a person consented at the time and regretted it later for different reasons and made up the accusations. A lot of times there are things that happen where the truth is in between guilty and not guilty. Every case is factually unique. It is really important that the defense counsel develop the facts as best they can in favor of their client to try and get the best results. Another common defense, not only in these types of cases but in...

Sex crimes committed in Michigan are all public record and can be found, but whether or not it appears in a local newspaper really depends upon the particular town, the police department and its newsworthiness, especially if the defendant is somebody well known in the community. But in many cases it just goes through the system and doesn’t get any public attention. Clearly, the more serious the charge, the more likely it is that word will get out about it How Would You Advise Clients That Are Worried About Hiring An Attorney As It Makes Them Look Guilty? There is...