Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC)

If you are facing charges for Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan, you need the help of a highly skilled CSC defense attorney. Michigan law attaches some of its most serious penalties to sex crimes. Unfortunately, many people are falsely accused and/or overcharged. Fortunately, we have decades of experience successfully defending this type of prosecution.

The phrase “criminal sexual conduct” refers to a scope of sexually assaultive crimes. These types of crimes are punishable under the Criminal Sexual Conduct Act by up to life in prison, depending upon the particular offense. The various charges under the Act involve either sexual touching of body surfaces or sexual penetration of body orifices. So regardless if an individual commits a rape, molestation, etc; the resulting charge would be one of the degrees of criminal sexual conduct.

“Sexual penetration” includes not only sexual intercourse, but also fellatio, cunnilingus, anal sex, intrusion of any part of a person’s body into another person’s body—including finger insertion—and also inserting foreign objects into another person’s body. Penetration crimes can also involve penetration of the accused rather than the alleged victim.

“Sexual contact” means touching another person’s clothing covering intimate parts or the intimate parts directly to gain sexual arousal or gratification, or (a) out of revenge; (b) to cause humiliation; or (c) because the actor is angry.

“Intimate parts” include the groin, main genital area, inner thigh, breast, or buttock. In the state of Michigan, there are six common sex offenses. This includes four degrees of criminal sexual conduct, and two types of assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct.

Additionally, there are two kinds of assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct offenses in Michigan:

1. Assault with intent to commit CSC involving penetration
2. Assault with intent to commit CSC II (touching).

The CSC Act identifies criminal sexual conduct by the type of conduct and degree of force used, factoring in many different circumstances.

For sexual contact or penetration to be criminal, it must be coincide with at least one specified circumstance indicated in the statute. The CSC Act outlines the circumstances while describing each offense. These are also called aggravating factors. The aggravating factors are used to increase the severity (degree) of the crime. Generally, a prosecutor in Michigan will charge the most severe crime possible which is even remotely supported by the allegations.

Aggravating factors include:

• Sexual Penetration
• Age or disability of the complaining witness or victim
• Intoxication or drug induced incapacity
• Mental disabilities or the physically helpless
• Marital rape
• Statutory rape

If you are being investigated or prosecuted for a sex related crime, it is essential to contact an experienced attorney right away. CSC is highly serious and could potentially result in prison time and Michigan sex offender registration. It is never too late to contact an attorney, but delay can be costly. People who take time to ponder whether they need an attorney often harm themselves because of the lack of guidance. Police and CPS investigators are skilled at getting damaging statements which will hurt the case later on. Our highly skilled lawyers have many years of experience guiding people through pre-charging stage, negotiating with prosecutors and conducting trials successfully.

Our firm provides a free consultation to those individuals requiring criminal defense. Call 1-866-766-5245 or fill out our contact form. Our attorneys are available by appointment or around the clock for emergency situations. We look forward to discussing your Criminal Sexual Conduct case with you. We represent clients all over the state, including: Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and Flint.