Sex Crimes: Criminal Sexual Conduct

Allegations of Sex Crimes are some of the more prominent headlines in the news today. You can pick up just about any newspaper or visit an online news site and you are almost guaranteed to find a story relating to rape, molestation, child abuse, unwanted touching, child pornography, or some other inappropriate or deviate sexual behavior. Sexual crimes evoke strong emotions from all involved and those observing through the media. However, they are not only hot button topics in today’s headlines, they are also dealt with very seriously in the criminal justice system.

A large number of sexually related crimes in Michigan fall underneath the Criminal Sexual Conduct (also called CSC) statutes. Under this statute there are four different degrees all of which have very different and specific prohibitions. The statute provides very specific definitions for the terms used to outline the different elements of each degree of criminal sexual conduct.

Criminal Sexual Conduct, or CSC, can be charged in degrees one through four. CSC in the first and third degree deal specifically with charges and allegations of sexual penetration. CSC in the second and fourth degrees cover charges and allegations where there are allegations of sexual contact less than penetration.

Because of this specific distinction, it is important to understand what the statute defines as penetration. As defined in the statute, “sexual penetration” includes not only intercourse, but also oral sex. It also includes “any other intrusion, however slight…. ”

The degrees of CSC also vary depending on the age of the victim, the age of the accused, and sometimes the degree of authority the alleged actor has over the alleged victim.

For example, CSC in the first degree is often charged in circumstances where there is penetration and the victim is under 13 years of age, or if the victim is between the ages of 13 and 16 years of age and the accused is either somehow related to, in a position of authority over (like a teacher or coach), or if a weapon is allegedly used (to name a few).

The penalties for sex crimes vary greatly. They not only include prison time, but they also involve having to register as a sex offender in public data-bases. CSC 1 carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and in certain circumstances a penalty of no less than 25 years. The penalties for lesser degrees also involve prison.

Therefore, if you or a loved is under investigation for an alleged Michigan sex crime, it is vital that you contact an experienced Michigan criminal sexual conduct attorney today, regardless if you are in Detroit, Flint, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Monroe, or Ann Arbor.