Michigan 2nd Degree CSC Attorneys
Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree Defense Attorneys
Lawyers representing criminal sexual conduct crimes in the second degree throughout Michigan, including Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Warren and Ann Arbor.
What is Second Degree CSC?
Defending against an allegation of CSC second degree can be difficult. This is especially true because, in many cases, the only evidence the jury will hear is the testimony of an alleged victim. Often that witness will be a child who will invoke a sympathetic response from jurors. Many CSC charges involve taking testimony from children. This requires special skill and training which many trial attorneys do not have. The Kronzek Firm PLC has the benefit of extensive experience and training in all matters related to sex crime defense and can offer hope to clients who seem to be facing a hopeless situation.
In Michigan, second degree criminal sexual conduct is one of four degrees of criminal sexual conduct (CSC) offenses (Michigan criminal sexual conduct law). The majority of Michigan’s sex crimes are dealt with in one of the four degrees of CSC. Second degree CSC charges involve allegations of illegal and aggravated sexual contact against another individual. CSC 2nd degree as defined by the state of Michigan is listed under the penal code 750.520c (second degree penal code in Michigan)
It is important to understand the concept of what constitutes sexual contact. As opposed to sexual penetration, sexual contact does not include the insertion of a body part or item into another person’s body cavity. The exact definition of sexual contact is as follows:
“Sexual contact” includes the intentional touching of the victim’s or actor’s intimate parts or the intentional touching of the clothing covering the immediate area of the victim’s or actor’s intimate parts, if that intentional touching can reasonably be construed as being for the purpose of (1) sexual arousal or gratification, (2) done for a sexual purpose, or (3) in a sexual manner for revenge, to inflict humiliation, or out of anger.
Criminal sexual conduct in the second and fourth degrees are the two CSC offenses that involve allegations of sexual contact, rather than sexual penetration. Of course, not all sexual contact is illegal. There must be some sort of criminal element to the sexual behavior that makes it illegal. The aggravating criminal circumstances accompanying sexual contact that give rise to a second degree CSC charge include things like the alleged victim being under the age of 13 years old, an incapacitated person being targeted by a family member or a teacher of the complainant, or the offender causing personal injury to the alleged victim and knowing the alleged victim was mentally or physically incapacitated. Second degree CSC is more serious than fourth degree CSC (criminal sexual conduct in the 4th degree) even though both involve sexual contact as opposed to sexual penetration.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
In general, the best practice is to hire a criminal defense lawyer for any criminal charge or investigation. However, second degree CSC charges are some of the most serious charges under Michigan law. The convicted offender faces up to 15 years in prison and electronic lifetime monitoring. Additionally, offenders will be listed on Michigan’s sex offender registry, which is something almost all registered sex offenders hate, because they face public humiliation.
Even with the most difficult of cases, your chances of a favorable outcome are greatly increased with an experienced CSC defense lawyer.
We offer a free consultation for those considering hiring our team. Call us today at 1-866-766-5245 or use our contact form to get started today.
Our history of successful defenses includes cases from places like Newaygo, Oceana, Mason, Huron, Alpena, & Washtenaw, just to mention a few. We work throughout Michigan defending some of the most difficult cases, for more specific information on our areas of practice, consult our services by county page.