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...

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...

“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...