An Overview of Michigan Sexual Assault Crimes by Attorney Brian J. Prain.
Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan is the name given to a category of serous criminal charges involving either "sexual penetration" or "sexual contact" against the will or decency of another person. With few exceptions, a conviction for Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan means hard Prison time and up to LIFETIME public registration on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. If you or someone you know is accused of Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan, you could continue reading, or you could call us at (248) 731-4543 and speak to an experienced, top rated Criminal Defense Attorney.
Attorney Brian J. Prain has been featured in Super Lawyers Magazine and HOUR Detroit Magazine, has been rated Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers, Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys by the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, has received the AVVO Client Choice Award 2 years in a row, and more.Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan, called "CSC" for short (sometimes also called Sexual Assault), is divided into four "degrees" of seriousness from First Degree CSC (the most serious) to Fourth Degree CSC. The maximum possible penalty you could face and the amount of time you could spend in Prison and on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry vary depending on what degree of Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan you are charged with.
First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan, under MCL 750.520b, means "sexual penetration" with one or more aggravating circumstances, such as: the victim is underage, the victim is related to the accused, the victim is incapacitated or physically helpless, a weapon was used, another Felony was committed at the same time, and others. Depending on the circumstances, 1st Degree CSC ("CSC 1") is punishable by up to LIFE in Prison without the possibility of parole, requires LIFETIME GPS tether, and is a "Tier 3 offense" requiring LIFETIME public registration on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. Click here to visit perhaps the most detailed web page on First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.
Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan, under MCL 750.520c, means "sexual contact" (no penetration required) with one or more of the same aggravating circumstances listed above. Depending on the unique facts of the case, 2nd Degree CSC ("CSC 2") is punishable by up to 15 years in Prison, possible LIFETIME GPS tether, and is a "Tier 2 offense" requiring 25 years public registration on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. Click here for all the details you want to know about Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.
Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan, under MCL 750.520d, means "sexual penetration" with one or more less aggravating circumstances, such as: the victim is within a certain age range, the victim is mentally or physically incapacitated, or the accused is in a position of power over the victim. Most importantly, Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan includes what is also traditionally known as common-law "Rape": sexual penetration by force or coercion and without consent. 3rd Degree CSC ("CSC 3") is punishable by up to 15 years in Prison, and is a "Tier 3 offense" requiring LIFETIME public registration on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. Click here to visit our highly detailed and informative web page on Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.
Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan, under MCL 750.520e, means "sexual contact" (again, no penetration required) with one or more less aggravating circumstances, such as: the victim is within a certain age range, force or coercion is used, threats or physical force are used, the victim is incapacitated or physically helpless, the accused is in a position of power, and others. You can be convicted of Fourth Degree CSC in Michigan for allegedly grabbing the breast or buttocks of another adult for "sexual purposes." 4th Degree CSC ("CSC 4") is a "High Court Misdemeanor" punishable by up to 2 years in Prison, and can be either a "Tier 1 or 2 offense" requiring either 15 or 25 years public registration on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry, respectively, depending on the victim's age. Click here to learn in-depth information about Fourth Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.