If a successful outcome cannot be had at pre-trial then our Michigan sex crime lawyers will be ready to present the best possible defense at trial. This would include a detailed and tailored strategy specific to your case. The prosecution’s case will be confronted and examined from every angle. Our attorneys are trial tested and trained in the most advanced trial techniques. At Grabel & Associates, we understand that the key to success is to treat each case as unique as the individuals that are accused. Each case will take its own path towards its ultimate resolution as we build and advance your defense. Our law firm understands that if you are facing a sex crime accusation, your reputation for morality is at stake just as much as the case itself, if not even more so. We understand the gravity of the accusation and will do whatever we need to do together to successfully make it through this stressful chapter of your life.
Have You Been Accused of a Sex Crime?
There aren’t many types of criminal accusations that can alter your life and standing in the community more than a sex crime. If you are accused, your life can and will likely be affected significantly until the moment you are cleared. With the connectivity of today, an accusation can make its way around the world in seconds. If your case has any media coverage, as these cases often do, negative public opinions can quickly be formed about you if you don’t take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Our experienced sex crimes attorneys in Michigan understand your charges are unique in nature, and we will look to not only defend your case, but also your reputation.
Under Investigation of a Sex Crime
Many individuals make the mistake of believing that talking to or meeting with police to help with an investigation can be beneficial as a showing of good faith and honesty. While there are instances where this can potentially be true, it is important to understand that the police are not there to help you or be your friend in any way. When police are investigating a sex crime, they have already taken the statement of someone who is claiming to be a victim of some sort of sexual assault. If they are now asking to talk to you about what this alleged victim has claimed, then it should come as no surprise that you are at serious risk of criminal prosecution. In most cases, you will be the target of their investigation, and every tactic and approach that the police will take in questioning you will be aimed towards them achieving their objectives in prosecuting you. Any statement or misstatement that you make to the police will be recorded, scrutinized, and used against you if possible. If you are being asked to answer questions from the police related to a sex crime, be absolutely certain that you speak to an attorney before you make any statements to the police. The advice of an experienced Michigan sex crimes lawyer can potentially prevent you from ever being charged, or at the very least, prevent you from accidentally incriminating yourself if you unfortunately face an accusation.
Defending Michigan Sex Crime Allegations
Most sex crimes have 3 basic elements.
- Presence;
- Sexual contact of another; and
- Lack of legal consent.
Your presence in a sex crime is essential. If there is some allegation of sexual contact, then a prosecutor has to prove you were there when the crime occurred. Do you have an alibi? A defendant doesn’t have to prove his alibi, it is up to the Prosecutor to prove your presence at the scene of the crime in order for a jury to appropriately find you guilty of a sex crime. If you have an alibi, we will use our experience and knowledge to properly advance this defense for your benefit. We will present alibi witnesses to testify and, if necessary, subpoena them to require their testimony to help strengthen your alibi defense.
Simple contact is not enough for a conviction of a sex crime. A prosecutor must prove that whatever contact that is alleged to have been made must have been sexual in nature. Sexual contact can be inferred in many ways. This element fits within the intent requirement for this type of crime. A prosecutor must show that you had a sexual intent behind any contact or penetration of an alleged victim. Our attorneys pride themselves in conducting their own investigations which can help gain valuable information that is often necessary to properly advance your defense. You are not required to simply defend the prosecutor’s case, as our attorneys at Grabel & Associates are ready to tell your story if need be.
A prosecutor must also show that the alleged victim did not legally consent to the accused’s alleged sexual conduct. Certain victims cannot legally consent based on their age or relation to the accused. It is startling to see how many times an alleged victim simply doesn’t tell the truth about the occurrence for a variety of reasons. Does the alleged victim have a history of making false allegations? Does the alleged victim have some reason they are making the allegation in order to protect themselves from something (i.e. cheating spouse)? Does the alleged victim have a specific motive to lie (i.e. seeking child custody)? Our attorneys are ready to dig as far as necessary to uncover the truth.
These are some of the main issues our attorneys at Grabel & Associates will likely focus on in defending you and your case. It is important to understand that each case is unique and the advice on how to approach each case will likely be different. If you have any specific questions about sex crimes, then it is important to seek the advice of an experienced Michigan attorney.
Criminal Sex Offenses in Michigan
There are a variety of criminal sex offenses that exist in the state of Michigan. The lawyers at Grabel & Associates have over 100 years of combined experience in defending people accused including:
This is not a complete list; if you have been accused of any sex related criminal offense, then it is important to speak to an experienced attorney at one of our offices immediately.
Consequences of a Sex Crime Conviction
A sex crime conviction has a number of direct and indirect consequences. A list of the most common consequences of a conviction include:
- Significant jail or prison time
- Excessive court fines and fees
- Required sex offender registration
- A permanent criminal record as a sex offender
- Restrictions on where you can live and work
- Loss of a professional license such as medical, law, or teaching
- Possible loss of custody of any children
- Loss of immigration visa or green card
- Potential deportation if not a United States citizen
Other indirect consequences include internet and social media articles and posts that likely cannot be removed. The consequences of a sex crime conviction are far reaching and can affect you in all areas of your life. Don’t leave any stone unturned, make sure you have the best defense possible. Hire us.
Can I Press Charges Against My Accuser if They are Lying in a Michigan Sex Offense Case?
Generally, you cannot press charges against your accuser even if they are lying in your Michigan sex offense case. Regular people technically don’t have the ability to press charges against anyone. Only prosecutors can authorize criminal charges against someone. The central issue in almost all sex offense cases is the truthfulness of the accuser. Your focus should be on defending any current charges you may be facing. If you have evidence that your accuser is lying, then that evidence should be shared with your attorney immediately. All attempts at defending your case should always be made through your attorney, as any discussion you have with the police or prosecutor can be used against you.
What if the Police Offer Me a Lie Detector Test (Polygraph) to Prove My Innocence in a Michigan Sex Offense Charge?
If the police offer you a lie detector test to prove your innocence in a Michigan sex offense charge, never take it unless you have already discussed it with your attorney. It is important to know that the results of a lie detector test are not admissible in court, but what you say during the test is admissible in court. So, if you deny any culpability during the lie detector test and you “fail” the test, the failing result and the fact that you took a lie detector test at all are not allowed to be discussed in court. If you say anything incriminating any time before, during, or after the lie detector test, then that can be used against you in court. Make sure that you speak to your attorney before you make the decision to take a police polygraph exam.
Sex Offense Statistics in Michigan
The Michigan State Police compile and release yearly crime statistics for all types of crime that occur in the state of Michigan. 2019 Crime statistics for sex offenses alleged to have occurred in the state of Michigan include the following:
- Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree: There were 587 arrests across the state of Michigan in 2019 for various allegations of criminal sexual conduct in the 1st degree. This includes both adult and juvenile arrests and all of the multiple types of accusations that fit the definition of a 1st-degree criminal sexual conduct charge.
- Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree: There were 283 arrests across the state of Michigan in 2019 for various allegations of forcible criminal sexual conduct in the 2nd degree. This includes both adult and juvenile arrests.
- Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree: There were 323 arrests across the state of Michigan in 2019 for various allegations of criminal sexual conduct in the 3rd degree. This includes arrests alleging an object was used to commit the crime.
- Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree: There were 315 arrests across the state of Michigan in 2019 for various allegations of criminal sexual conduct in the 4th degree. This includes both adult and juvenile arrests.
- Other Sex Offenses: There were 554 arrests across the state of Michigan for allegations of other types of sex offenses. This statistic includes both adult and juvenile arrests and includes allegations of sexual assaults involving blood family members.
Our Philosophy
Grabel & Associates has provided aggressive criminal defense representation throughout the state of Michigan in felony and misdemeanor sex offense cases for over 20 years. Our defense team is not afraid to confront local judges and prosecutors in order to protect our clients' rights and secure their freedom. We put the time and effort necessary in order to seek justice for our clients and help them clear their name if possible.
We believe in the time-tested constitutional concept that an individual is innocent until proven guilty, no matter what accusations or charges he or she is facing. The defense team at Grabel & Associates has earned their reputation statewide with proven results in sex crime cases. We are proud to bring our winning approach to you as we can lean on our past experience in order to help you achieve future success.
We Are Ready to Start Building A Winning Defense
If you or a loved one is facing an accusation related to a sex crime, then it is important to speak to an experienced sex crime law firm immediately. At Grabel & Associates, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience in successfully defending criminal cases all over the state of Michigan.
Feel free to contact us on our 24/7 defense line at 1-800-883-2138. You can also contact us online or come visit us at one of our three statewide locations in Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. We can also come to you.
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