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General Intent vs. Specific Intent: What is the Difference? For purposes of being charged and tried in a criminal case, there are different types of criminal activity that can be categorized by the defendant’s state of mind. This means, the intent of the defendant in committing the crime is very important. A person’s “intent” refers…

Engaging in sexual activity with another person that is under the age of 16 is what is considered statutory rape in Michigan. That being said, Michigan does not have an actual statutory rape charge; the charge is referred to as criminal sexual conduct (CSC), of which 4 different degrees exist. If you are seeking help…

Michigan Criminal Jury Instructions for Sex Cases The Michigan Supreme Court has special Michigan Criminal Jury Instructions (the laws that are read to a jury) specifically for criminal sexual conduct charges. These model criminal jury instructions are read at every jury trial involving criminal sexual conduct accusations, regardless of csc degrees. Michigan Criminal Jury Instructions…

What is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner? What is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner? A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse that specializes in forensic nursing. These registered nurses will perform forensic evaluations that have medical examination features. A sexual assault forensic exam is geared for the preparation, collection, evaluation and disposition…

Direct vs. Circumstantial Evidence Criminal sexual conduct cases are unique in that a charge of criminal sexual conduct, no matter what the degree (csc degrees), can be proven by the state using solely what the accuser claims happened, and that is it! NO OTHER EVIDENCE IS REQUIRED. Direct vs. Circumstantial Evidence DEFINITIONS OF DIRECT AND…

If you are sentenced to more than one charge at a jury or bench trial, Michigan allows for both concurrent sentencing and consecutive sentencing, when appropriate. Concurrent vs. Consecutive Sentencing DEFINITIONS Below are definitions and explanations of both consecutive and concurrent sentences: In Michigan, concurrent sentencing is the norm, but a consecutive sentence may be…

Criminal Sexual Conduct Defense There are several defenses to sex crime charges of criminal sexual conduct, no matter the csc degrees. Criminal Sexual Conduct Defense Below are a list of some of those defenses that can be successfully argued when fighting for your life and your freedom. CONSENT DEFENSE Consent is a defense to some…

Since just the accuser’s accusations are required to move forward with a criminal sexual conduct charge, with no supporting evidence needed, is precisely why there are a large number of falsely reported sexual assaults in the United States. A false report of a sex crime will undoubtedly affect the accused in ways the accuser never…

Michigan criminal sexual conduct (CSC) law strictly prohibits specific behavior related to sexual activity. These series of laws, collectively known as CSC charges vary significantly based on the accused’s alleged conduct. The state formulated the laws to distinguish the degrees of sexual misconduct as some sex crimes are more heinous, in certain contexts than others.…

Wrongful criminal accusations are hard, but wrongful criminal sexual conduct (CSC) accusations are harder. Why? Well, rape and other sex crimes are repugnant. Also, it’s usually the complainant’s word against the said perpetrator. Plus, should a wrongful conviction occur, you’ll be looking at incarceration, and even worse, lifelong sex offender registration with the Michigan Sex…