Every sex offense is a serious matter in Michigan. Depending on the nature of the charges, a conviction could come with a steep fine, life in prison, a lifetime listing on the Sex Offender Registry, lifetime GPS tether, and other consequences. There are several types of sex offenses in Michigan, including:
- Criminal Sexual Conduct;
- Assault with Intent;
- Child Pornography;
- Accosting a Minor;
- And Prostitution.
If you are facing charges for one of these offenses, contact Gordon & Hess, PLC. Brian E. Gordon is a criminal law attorney in Grand Rapids who will evaluate your charges, investigate your arrest, and aggressively fight for a positive outcome of your case. Call 616-369-7452 to schedule a free consultation. Until then, read on to learn about five sex offenses in Michigan:
- Criminal Sexual Conduct
According to the Michigan Legislature, there are four degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct, and each degree comes with different consequences, with the first degree being the most serious charge and the fourth degree being the least serious. However, a conviction for any Criminal Sexual Conduct offense could come with a lifetime listing on the Sex Offender Registry.
- Assault with Intent
This charge is also called Assault with Intent to Commit Criminal Sexual Conduct Involving Sexual Penetration. A conviction could come with up to 10 years in prison and a lifetime listing on the Sex Offender Registry.
- Child Pornography
Child pornography is a visual depiction of a minor under the age of 18 engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Federal law prohibits:
- Knowingly shipping or transporting child pornography;
- Knowingly possessing or receiving child pornography;
- And knowingly distributing or reproducing child pornography.
A conviction for these offenses comes with a minimum five years in prison. Offenders may face harsher penalties if:
- The minor was younger than 12;
- The pornography was distributed for a pecuniary gain or profit;
- The pornography was distributed to another minor;
- Or there were more than 10 images (penalties can worsen based on the number of images present).
- Accosting a Minor
This is also called Accosting a Minor for Immoral Purposes, or Accosting, Enticing or Soliciting a Child for Immoral Purposes. This offense happens when a person entices, accosts, or solicits a child who is younger than 16 years old – regardless of whether or not the offender is a minor or knows the child’s age – to engage in an act of gross indecency, depravity, delinquency, or sexual intercourse. A conviction could come with up to four years in prison, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.
- Prostitution
There is no specific definition of “prostitution” in Michigan law. However, the standard dictionary definition is “engaging in sexual conduct for profit.” The first and second convictions for prostitution are misdemeanors, but a third or subsequent conviction may be a felony. If you are facing charges for a sex offense, contact Gordon & Hess, PLC. Brian E. Gordon is a criminal defense attorney in Michigan who can protect your interests. Call 616-369-7452 to schedule a free consultation.
