In Michigan, engaging in a sexual act with someone under the age of 16 can lead to severe consequences. Even if you are in a consensual relationship at the time, you may still face charges such as Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC), statutory rape, or other offenses related to minors.
Under Michigan law, the age of consent is 16 years. Engaging in any sexual act, including sexual penetration, with someone under this age can lead to criminal charges. If you have been accused of sexual contact with a minor or believe you may face charges related to a sex crime in the future, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer immediately.
Penalty
In Michigan, engaging in sexual activity with a minor can lead to charges of criminal sexual conduct (CSC) at various degrees: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th.
For cases involving penetration, sexual contact with a minor under 13 carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment, while contact with a minor aged 13 to 16 may result in up to 15 years in prison, as outlined in the Michigan Penal Code. Offenders are also required to register on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR) for a duration of 25 years to life, depending on the degree of the CSC offense.
In some instances of statutory rape, a defendant may be exempt from PSOR registration. According to the 2011 “Romeo and Juliet” law, individuals convicted of statutory rape involving a consenting alleged victim aged 13 to 16 may not need to register as a sex offender, provided they were no more than four years older than the victim at the time of the offense.
Defense
In some statutory rape cases, the defendant may be exempt from PSOR registration requirements. According to a 2011 “Romeo and Juliet” law, anyone convicted of statutory rape with an alleged victim between 13 and 16 who consented to the sexual act (even though they have not reached the age of consent), may be exempt from sex offender registration if they were no more than 4 years older than the alleged victim at the time of the offense.
If there are extenuating circumstances, such as mental illness, there may be opportunities for a reduced sentence and rehabilitation programs that can serve as alternatives to a lengthy prison term, including:
- Mental health evaluation
- Treatment for any psychiatric disorders
- Rehab programs for substance abuse problems
- Medication
- Electronic monitoring
Contact Kirsch Daskas Law Group
Attorney Lisa Kirsch Satawa regularly serves as a trial consultant and trains other attorneys on dynamic criminal defense representation. She can employ linguistics, forensic interviewing, psychology and medicine to strengthen your case. Call Kirsch Daskas Law group right away, at 248-792-3060. We are here to help you!
