Metamora Firm Represents Clients Facing Sexual Offense Charges

Skillful advocates assist Michigan residents accused of illicit conduct

Allegations of sexual misconduct are extremely serious whether the parties were previously acquainted or not. Convictions on the most serious counts might lead to decades behind bars, and even misdemeanors can bring on shame from the community. With more than 90 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Kohl, Harris, Nolan & McCarthy, P.C. in Metamora provide comprehensive counsel to Michigan residents facing sexual offense charges. No matter the nature of the specific accusation, we are committed to safeguarding your fundamental legal rights.  

What are the different degrees of sexual conduct charges?

Unlike many other types of crimes, sex-related charges often bring up complicated issues and questions of consent, particularly when “date rape” is alleged. Countering the allegations effectively in these cases requires a skillful defense attorney who can get to the truth through exhaustive investigation and incisive cross-examination. Many types of misconduct are included within the following four degrees of criminal sexual conduct charges:

• First degree — Coercing sexual penetration through violence or the use or threat of a weapon is first-degree criminal sexual conduct. This crime is punishable by an extensive prison term, and could even lead to a life sentence. Rape involving multiple actors and intercourse with a child under 13 years of age is also included within this most serious category.
• Second degree — Forcible sexual contact where the defendant threatens to use a weapon or is aided and abetted by one or more parties constitutes second-degree criminal sexual contact. The maximum prison sentence in these cases is 15 years.
• Third degree — Allegations of statutory rape involving a child who is between 13 and 16 years old and sexual contact with someone who is too incapacitated to give consent are charged as third degree criminal sexual conduct. These cases can also include sex through force or coercion if no weapon or other aggravating factor is present.
• Fourth degree — Unwanted sexual touching is referred to as fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, which is a misdemeanor count that can trigger a sentence of up to two years of incarceration.

In matters involving criminal sexual conduct and other crimes, such as soliciting a prostitute, pandering and possessing or distributing unlawful materials, our firm offers honest advice and strong advocacy. Though most sex offenses are prosecuted on the state level, certain types of illicit activity constitute federal crimes, including misconduct related to child pornography and the trafficking of someone across state lines for immoral purposes.

The Michigan Sex Offender Registry

More than 40,000 people are listed on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. This is a searchable database that can be accessed by the public online. If you’ve been convicted of one of the numerous listed sex-related offenses, landlords and prospective employers could find you here. Moreover, state residents set alerts so that they will be notified when someone on the registry moves into their neighborhood. Accordingly, even if your punishment is relatively lenient, an unfair charge could harm you for many years and affect your ability to get a job or live where you wish. We strive to obtain dismissals and acquittals for clients so they are not wrongly included in the registry and can also petition to remove individuals who don’t belong in the database.

Contact a Michigan attorney for a free consultation regarding a sex offense charge 

Kohl, Harris, Nolan & McCarthy, P.C. in Metamora provides legal advice and advocacy to Michigan residents accused of sexual misconduct. Please call 810-212-5005 or contact us online to make an appointment for a free initial consultation.