Sex Crimes

We represent clients accused of sex crimes in state and federal court. Serious charges need serious representation and no case is too challenging for us, even the most unpopular ones. At Cripps & Silver, we strongly believe that, regardless of what the charges are, everyone deserves to have an attorney in their corner who will fight for them and ensure that their rights are protected. We are passionate in our commitment to helping people out of difficult situations and guiding them through the criminal justice system with compassion, confidence, and respect.

Well-known in Detroit for our skill and expertise in the courtroom, we go the distance for our clients in every case we handle, never backing down or giving up. The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of the criminal justice system and we honor the presumption by providing zealous representation to our clients from beginning to end, whatever the charge. We have obtained numerous acquittals in jury trials, as well as dismissals and other favorable outcomes. We are never intimidated by police officers or seasoned prosecutors. We have extensive experience with the difficult, delicate, and critically-important task of cross-examinationsex crime victims during trial.

Whenever we take on a new case, we thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations. We spend time with our clients, listening to their questions and concerns, and work with them to build as strong a defense as possible. We will explore every option while providing honest advice so that clients understand exactly what they are facing. We keep clients and their families well-informed throughout the process, both to avoid any surprises and to provide some comfort and peace of mind during what can be an extremely stressful time.

We understand how serious the consequences can be for clients charged with sex crimes and we will do everything in our power to advocate on your behalf for the best possible outcome.

Michigan Law on Sex Crimes

Under Michigan law, most sex crimes are felonies. The most serious sex crime is Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 1st Degree, which involves rape under any the following circumstances:

• Victim is under 13 years old
• Victim is 13-15 years old and is a blood relative of the defendant, lives in the defendant’s household, or the defendant is in a authority position to the victim
• Multiple actors are involved and
• Personal injury plus force/coercion
• Personal injury plus victim incapacitated (unable to consent due to age, mental challence, intoxication, date rape drug, etc.)
• Defendant is in the process of committing another felony (g., burglary, kidnapping)

CSC in the 1st Degree is punishable by up to life imprisonment and lifetime mandatory sex offender registration.

CSC in the 2nd Degree involves sexual contact (without penetration) with the genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttock, or breast, AND any of the circumstances listed above for 1st Degree CSC. The crime is punishable by up to 15 years in prison combined with mandatory sex offender registration.

CSC in the 3rd Degree is also punishable by up to 15 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration, and involves allegations of sexual penetration and the victim is 13-15 years old, force or coercion was used, or the victim was incapacitated (unable to consent due to age, mental challence, intoxication, date rape drug, etc.).

If convicted of CSC in the 2nd or 3rd degree and the victim is less than 13 years old, offenders will also be sentenced to lifetime electronic monitoring.

CSC in the 4th degree is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $500, and involves sexual contact and force or coercion, victim incapacity, or the defendant works for the Department of Corrections and the victim is an inmate.

Sex Offender Registry Violations

Even after serving time in prison, convicted sex offenders face lifelong challenges. Michigan law requires individuals convicted of certain sex crimes to register with the state’s Sex Offender Registry. There are three tiers of registration requirements:

• Tier 1: Registration for 15 years is required for indecent exposure, child pornography, unlawful imprisonment or restraint of a minor, and CSC 4th Degree
• Tier 2: Registration for 25 years is required for Accosting, Enticing or Soliciting a Minor for Immoral Purposes, Sodomy of a minor over age 13, CSC 2nd Degree
• Tier 3: Lifelong registration is required for gross indecency against a minor under age 13, CSC 1st Degree, and CSC 3rd Degree

Registered sex offenders face often geographical constraints, employment issues, relationship difficulties, and even retaliation by community members. Sex offenders must register with their local police offices once to four times every year, as well as any time they move, change jobs, or enroll in school.

Sex offender registry violations carry criminal penalties of their own. Failure to register carries a penalty of up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000 for a first offense. A second offense has a penalty of up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, and a third or subsequent offense could result in up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

How a Detroit Sex Crimes Attorney Can Help

If you have been accused of a sex crime and want experienced, hard-working, compassionate advocates to fight on your behalf, contact Cripps & Silver now.