Michigan Statutory Rape Defense Attorney
Understanding Michigan's Statutory Rape Laws
In Michigan the age of consent is 16 years old which means that if you are sixteen years old it is legal to have sex with anyone who is 16 years old and older. However, if any one 16 and over has sex with someone under the age of 16 it is considered statutory rape also called criminal sexual conduct.
Even if a person not yet 16 years old agrees or even pursues sex with someone 16 years or older he or she can still be prosecuted. Often clients tell me they do not understand why they are being charged with the crime — this is especially true when their sex partner consented. However, the law views anyone under the age of 16 as incapable of consenting to sexual intercourse or any form of sexual activity.
Defending Statutory Rape
Because it is not a defense for defendants to mistakenly believe that the person they had sexual relations with was 16 years old it is essential that you retain a criminal defense attorney who has experience in representing individuals charged with this crime.
If the prosecution’s evidence strongly implicates my client there are only two choices: a plea bargain or a trial. Because the penalties can be severe and will always include the stigma of being registered as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offenders Registry Act (SORA) a trail strategy is usually the best defense.
Trained at Questioning Children and Teens
At Leslie Posner Law you will receive representation by a lawyer who has experience questioning children and teen witnesses. As a skilled trial attorney I understand the sensitive nature of cross examining this type of complainant. I was trained early in my legal career in the essential techniques as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Child and Family Abuse Division of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. I have brought these skills to the defense side of representation when advocating for my clients with solid success. I look for ambiguous statements made by the accuser if their story has changed, working tirelessly to raise reasonable doubt. Defending anybody charge with statutory rape is a daunting task, so I do not leave any stone unturned.
To schedule an initial consultation, call me at Leslie Posner Law toll free (866-697-7404), locally 313-628-4711 or contact my law firm online today by filling out the form on the Contact page. I will help you understand your best options and protect your rights.