Sexual Assault Laywers

Being accused of a sex crime is a serious charge that could tear your life apart. If convicted, you could be forced to register as a sex offender, lose your job, and ruin your reputation. Even an accusation of such a serious crime could change how your community, employer, and family members view you.

Fortunately, if you are facing charges for a sex crime and looking for experienced advocacy, you have come to the right place. Our sexual assault lawyers are here to help.

Oliver Bell Group is the only private law firm in Michigan appointed as class counsel with the ACLU and the University of Michigan. With approval from a federal court, we are currently challenging the constitutionality of Michigan’s oppressive Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA). SORA’s vague requirements and unfair application have ruined countless lives and inappropriately classified many people as sex criminals.

We also encourage anyone facing the same types of charges to recruit our expertise as the only private law firm in Michigan appointed class counsel in this important sex crime litigation.

About CSC Crimes

Criminal sexual conduct can be charged in four different degrees, all with different circumstances and all with different penalties. It is important to understand the charges you may be facing, which your sexual assault lawyer will help with.

You could be charged with:

• First-degree CSC: This involves penetration and is often judged with other factors like the age, relationship, and coercion of the victim. The ability to consent often includes the use of a weapon, force or coercion, and the power dynamics between assailant and victim. This is considered the most serious form of CSC.
• Second-degree CSC: When allegations of sexual contact do not include penetration, it falls under the second-degree category. The victim is unable to consent due to circumstances that exist in first-degree CSC. Often, these cases are word against word, so they may prove difficult without an attorney on your side. The maximum sentence is 15 years’ imprisonment.
• Third-degree CSC: Sexual penetration of a victim between the ages of 13 and 16, coerced or forced, or who may be incapacitated. 15 years of imprisonment is the maximum penalty.
• Fourth-degree CSC: Used for allegations of contact and not penetration, this degree of CSC involves the use of force or coercion, an incapacitated victim, or cases in which the assailant is an employee of the Department of Corrections and the victim is incarcerated. The punishment could involve up to two years in prison and/or a $500 fine.

Being charged with criminal sexual conduct, no matter the degree of severity has an impact on your life. Being on a sex offender registry can ruin your career, destroy your family, and have a long-term effect on your future as a whole. The law takes sex crimes seriously – and so do we. With no statute of limitations on criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, you can’t take a chance on your defense. We know that allegations can quickly turn into charges with compelling words instead of evidence, and we know how to turn allegations on their heads.

Prostitution

Illegal in Michigan, the penalties associated with a prostitution charge can be steep and severe. According to the Michigan Penal Code, prostitution involves engaging in sexual behavior for money or payment. Someone seeking out services (or “soliciting”) from a prostitute can also be prosecuted. Payment is not limited to cash; it can also include gifts and favors. If convicted of prostitution, classified as a misdemeanor, you could face up to 93 days in jail and up to $500 in fines.

Rape

A heavy accusation, rape is something that can mar your record and your life forever. Rape charges can be hard to handle without a knowledgeable defense on your side.

Michigan defines rape as sexual penetration with another person under the following circumstances:

• The victim is under 13
• The victim is between 13-16 years old and a household member, related by blood or affinity
• The alleged assailant holds authority over them to gain submission or coercion, such as a teacher or supervisor
• The person is intoxicated, unconscious, or mentally impaired, thus not able to consent
• Sexual penetration occurs during the commission of another felony
• More than one person is involved and forcible coercion is used
• The alleged victim is disabled and physically helpless
• A weapon was used and/or physical injury results from coercion by force

The penalties for a rape conviction are extremely high. Your current and future employment situation is at risk. You could lose custody of children and have trouble finding housing. The entirety of your life could be turned upside down if convicted. That’s why you need the Oliver Bell Group on your side. Our Michigan-based sexual assault lawyers work to defend you from these life-altering charges.

Obscenity and Indecent Exposure

Indecent exposure in Michigan is classified as a misdemeanor but can be treated as a “High Court Misdemeanor” if the charge is upgraded to “Aggravated Indecent Exposure,” a crime that is prosecuted like a felony. Legally, it is still defined as a misdemeanor. The difference between the charges occurs when exposure involves the accused touching themselves instead of simple exposure.

Indecent exposure is known as a purposeful act. We usually picture a “flasher,” but this charge could even occur if someone was relieving themselves outside. Most people do not know what constitutes indecent exposure. Moreover, if someone witnesses an act of exposure even in the privacy of your home and becomes offended, you could be facing charges. Our legal team can help you fight back.

To learn more about how we can help individuals facing sex crime charges, call or message us for a free consultation.

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault click here for assistance.