Sexual Abuse Attorney in Michigan

Michigan’s Four Degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct

Michigan law draws two foundational distinctions when classifying CSC offenses: whether the act involved sexual penetration or sexual contact, and whether aggravating factors were present. Sexual penetration under Michigan law includes any intrusion, however slight, of the genital or anal openings and doesn’t require physical injury or force to qualify.

CSC-I: First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

First-degree CSC involves sexual penetration accompanied by an aggravating factor, such as a victim under 13, use of a weapon, or the accused being in a position of authority over the victim. It’s the most serious charge in this category and carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison when the victim was under 13 at the time of the offense. The maximum is life.

CSC-II: Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Second-degree CSC mirrors the aggravating-factor structure of first-degree but involves sexual contact rather than penetration. It carries up to 15 years in prison.

CSC-III: Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Third-degree CSC covers sexual penetration involving a victim between 13 and 15 years old, or penetration accomplished through force or coercion. Like second-degree, it’s punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

CSC-IV: Fourth-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

Fourth-degree CSC is a misdemeanor involving sexual contact, most commonly where the accused is five or more years older than a victim between 13 and 15, or where force or coercion was used. The maximum penalty is two years in prison, a fine of up to $500, or both.

Sex Offender Registration & Sentencing Exposure

A conviction on any degree of criminal sexual conduct triggers mandatory registration under Michigan’s Sex Offender Registration Act, whether the offense was a misdemeanor or a felony. Combined with potential prison time, a CSC conviction can affect where you live, where you work, and how you’re identified in public records for years or decades to come.

What Happens After a CSC Accusation in Michigan

After charges are filed, a person accused of criminal sexual conduct in Michigan has the right to a preliminary examination. At that hearing, the prosecution must establish probable cause that the offense occurred and that the defendant was involved. It’s an early and important stage, and how it’s handled can affect the entire case.

One aspect of Michigan CSC law that makes these cases particularly demanding is MCL 750.520h: a victim’s testimony alone, without corroborating evidence, is legally sufficient to support a charge or a conviction. That doesn’t make every accusation a conviction, but it means the defense has to be built carefully, with close attention to credibility, consistency, and the specific facts in dispute.