There are some crimes that can, when presented a certain way, pluck at the heartstrings of judges and juries. But some crimes, like sex crimes and child abuse, that cause an almost visceral negative response in people. Which means that anyone convicted of a sex crime, or any kind of child abuse, can expect nothing in the way of compassion or understanding from the court.
A current Michigan case captures this situation perfectly!
Nicholas Belkiewicz, a 27-year-old resident of Port Huron Township who was recently convicted of sexually assaulting several minors, appealed to the Judge at his sentencing hearing for mercy, and help. “The only thing I can do is beg and plead with the court … to have mercy on me and give me a second chance at life.”
“All I want is to be able to get the help I need and deserve so I can prove to everyone I’m not this horrible monster.” Belkiewicz explained to the Judge. He also shared some of his tragic backstory with the court in the hopes of gaining clemency. According to Belkiewicz, he was the childhood victim of repeated sexual assaults at the hands of several different children in numerous foster homes during his childhood. He’s also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and clinical depression.
The Judge didn’t believe that Belkiewicz was remorseful
Despite his tragic tale, Belkiewicz’s pleas fell on deaf ears. Judge Daniel Kelly handed down a consecutive sentence of 63 years and four months, to a maximum of 140 years. “I’ve never been more ashamed and sorry for anything that I’ve ever done,” Belkiewicz told the Judge, “I’m not this type of person. I don’t go around preying on other people’s children.” But the Judge didn’t believe him.
In addressing Belkiewicz directly, Judge Kelly said that while he accepted the defendant’s back story, he didn’t think it was an acceptable excuse for his behavior. “I can’t imagine for the life of me why someone with a history of sexual abuse as you, would want to expose any other child (to that). The pleasure you got out of such an act, it doesn’t make sense to anybody. This is just one of the saddest cases I’ve ever seen.”
Once you’ve been “labelled” the social stigma lasts a lifetime!
Many people believe that ‘where there’s smoke, there must be a fire.’ This means that once you’ve been accused of a sex crime, even if there’s no evidence to support the claims, and you’re really innocent, you’ll live with that stigma for the rest of your life. And it can make all kinds of things much harder – starting new friendships, getting and keeping a job, dating, and even moving into a new community.
And that’s why you need the best possible sex crime defense attorney on your side, right from the very start! Always take advantage of your right to an aggressive sex crime defense attorney by your side, from the very beginning of any investigation. At The Kronzek Firm, our phones are answered twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, at 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail). We can help you the way we’ve helped hundreds of others accused of sex crimes in Michigan.