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Michigan Sexual Assault, Sexual Abuse & Rape Law Firm

Knowledgeable and aggressive defense against sex crime, assault, abuse & rape charges in Michigan

A sex crime conviction can follow you for the rest of your life.  If you have been accused of a sex crime, the sooner you contact an attorney the better.  Accusations of a Michigan sex crime have devastating effects on your reputation, career, and personal relationships. 

At Ribitwer & Sabbota, LLP in Michigan, we know that if convicted, you may face a lifetime registration as a sex offender and other severe criminal penalties.  This is why we build an effective and aggressive defense for your case.

Michigan penalties for a criminal sexual conduct conviction

When someone is arrested for a crime such as rape, statutory rape, or child molestation, the actual charge will be criminal sexual conduct and there are four degrees.  Criminal sexual conduct covers a range of sexual contact, levels of force, and intimidation.  Survivor resistance is not a factor in assessing criminal sexual conduct and the law is gender neutral.  Marital rape has also been illegal in Michigan since 1988.  The penalties for criminal sexual conduct:

  • 1st degree - Involves sexual penetration with aggravating circumstances in crimes such as rape, sexual, assault, or child molestation
    • Aggravating circumstances include the use of a weapon, two or more people committing the act, the act resulting in injury, or the victim being younger than 13
    • Assigns a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration
  • 2nd degree -  Does not involve penetration, but rather sexual contact in crimes involving the touching of genitals, buttocks, breats, and other body parts plus aggravating circumstances (see 1st degree)
    • Assigns up to 15 years in prison and mandatory sex offender registration
  • 3rd degree - Involves sexual penetration, but without aggravating circumstances (see 1st degree). Can involve statutory rape, force, or coercion without injury, sex between a teacher and student between the ages of 16 and 18, and other crimes
    • Assigns a 15+ year prison sentence and mandatory sex offender registration
  • 4th degree -  Involevs sexual contact without penetration, without aggravated circumstances (see 1st degree)
    • Assigns up to 24 months in prison and mandatory sex offender registration

We provide aggressive defense against serious charges involving criminal sexual conduct involving—

  • Criminal sexual conduct - Including 1st through 4th degree criminal sexual conduct, assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct involving penetration, assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct involvting contact, and accosting a minor for immoral purposes
  • Child Molestation - Sexual contact with a minor; when the victim is under 13, the penalty is a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison and registration as a sex offender. This crime is considered criminal sexual conduct. If the victim is between the ages of 13 and 16 and a member of the same household, charges are also classified as 1st degree criminal sexual conduct, because the accused is in a position of authority.
  • Child pornography - And other Internet sex crimes;  the goverment heavily prosecustes anyone facing these charges as they're taken very seriously; targets include the person who createschild pornography, the person who markets child pornography, and the person who views child pornography.
  • Rape / statutory rape - Including 1st degree (life in prison) and 3rd degree (15+ year mandatory prison sentence) sexual criminal conduct; rape is using force or coercion to have sexual intercourse with an individual against his or her will; statutory rape is any type of sexual penetration by one individual age 16 years or older to another between the ages of 13 and 16 years, who are legally unable to give consent for sex. Sexual contact involving a child under the age of 13 is considered criminal sexual conduct in the first degree - child molestation.
  • Other sex crimes - Aggravated sexual assault, child enticement, indecent exposure, lewd or lascivious conduct, pimping and prostitution, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and domestic abuse

Michigan sexual assault, rape and sexual abuse defense

Having an experienced Michigan sexual assault lawyer makes a big difference in how your case can go.  If you are facing any criminal sexual conduct charge for rape, solicitation, or crimes against children, contact Ribitwer & Sabbota, LLP of Michigan immediately. It is important not to make any statements without a sexual abuse attorney present.