Who Do You Want To Answer The Call You Never Thought You'd Have To Make?
Imagine the unimaginable -you, a loved one, your son or daughter, is suddenly accused of engaging in unconsented sexual contact. There's been an arrest, a suspension from work or school. You're hearing things about DNA tests, sex offender registration, a permanent criminal history, and the threat of prison. You want the voice on the other end of the phone call you never thought you'd have to make to be the voice of experience, compassion, and capability. Joseph A. Simon has earned his reputation as one of the top defense attorneys in the State of Michigan by providing excellence in defending these charges for over 35 years.
Criminal Sexual Conduct is one of the most serious allegations that can be levied against a person in Michigan, with possible penalties ranging from two years to life imprisonment. Some statutes mandate incarceration and Sex Offender registration. Others carry mandatory minimum prison sentences of 25 years.
Criminal Sexual Conduct has four degrees in Michigan, First Degree being the most severe. First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct has a maximum punishment of up to Life Imprisonment and, in certain cases involving victims less than the age of 13, can impose mandatory minimum terms of 25 years of incarceration.
First and Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct allege acts of sexual “penetration”, meaning any entry or intrusion into another person’s body specifically including sexual intercourse and oral sex. If convicted of either of these offenses, a person cannot be placed on probation and incarceration is mandatory. Criminal Sexual Conduct in the third degree has a maximum penalty of 15 years incarceration. Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct also encompasses Michigan’s “statutory rape” provisions, meaning that even consensual sexual penetration with a person between the ages of 13 to 16 carries the same penalties.
Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second and Fourth Degree allege acts of sexual “contact”, meaning the intentional touching of a victim’s intimate body parts or the clothing covering the same. Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree has a maximum punishment of 15 years incarceration while Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Fourth Degree has a maximum punishment of up to 2 years incarceration.
What Do The Best Criminal Sexual Conduct Defense Attorneys Do To Defend A Case?
Ethically, lawyers cannot and should not make claims about themselves such as being “the best.” Instead, lawyers should stand on their experience, ratings, reputation, and results. The best practices for CSC defense include: intimate knowledge of the local courts and participants; a thorough confidential client interview; obtaining all case discovery including in-car and body-cam police video, audio dispatch recordings, 9-1-1 audio recordings, interviewing any witnesses, preparing a client for the courtroom, and the ability to present a case in court in pretrial motion hearings and at trial.
Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan is one of the most nuanced and complicated charges that a person can face and should be defended by only the most experienced defense attorneys. For over 35 years, Joseph A. Simon has been helping persons charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct protect their freedom, reputation and future goals. Our attorneys have over 65 years combined experience in criminal defense and an unwavering commitment to excellence in criminal defense. If you or a loved one are being investigated for or charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct in Washtenaw, Wayne, Jackson, Livingston, or Lenawee County, contact our firm at 734-887-6200 for a free consultation.