Kalamazoo Rape Defense Lawyers

Allegations of rape are extremely serious. An accusation alone can irreparably harm someone's reputation, and a conviction is nothing short of devastating. The penalties for a rape conviction are severe and may carry lifelong consequences, such as mandatory registration as a sex offender and lifetime electronic monitoring. Prosecutors pursue these cases doggedly. If you have been charged with rape, or if you believe you are under investigation for rape, you should seek legal representation from a trusted attorney as soon as possible.

To discuss your situation with a skilled lawyer at Levine & Levine, dial (269) 218-8880 or contact us online.

Backed by a winning success rate and over a century of combined experience, we treat every case with the care and seriousness it deserves. We are highly regarded in the legal community and are well-known for our proven record of success. Our practice is rooted in a deep understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, allowing us to take an intellectual approach in court that can’t be easily matched or bested. We fight aggressively for our clients, and we are prepared to put our extensive knowledge and experience to work for you.

Understanding Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges

Under the Michigan Penal Code, rape is referred to as criminal sexual conduct (CSC) and is classified into four degrees. CSC 1^st degree and CSC 3^rd degree are related to cases involving sexual penetration, while CSC 2^nd degree and CSC 4^th degree pertain to cases involving sexual contact without penetration. While 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd degree CSC are classified as felonies, 4^th degree CSC is a misdemeanor. The circumstances of the allegations will affect how prosecutors charge a rape case.

Things that may affect how a rape case is charged include:

• The ages of the people involved
• The relationship between the people involved
• Whether the victim sustained injury
• The presence of weapons
• Whether any other crimes were committed in conjunction with the rape

In Michigan, the legal age of consent is 16. However, under some circumstances, the age of consent may change. For example, when an authority figure (like a teacher) is involved, the legal age of consent is raised to 18. Statutory rape is charged as 3^rd degree CSC and classified as a felony. Even teens can be charged with statutory rape, and a conviction can haunt them forever. If you or a loved one has been charged with statutory rape, reach out to Levine & Levine to discuss your legal options.

The Price of a Rape Conviction

The court system is not set up in favor of the accused. Unfortunately, this means the defendant will face an uphill battle in court. When confronting rape allegations or criminal charges, it is vitally important that you secure strong legal representation from a lawyer familiar with defending rape cases in Michigan, like ours at Levine & Levine.

Penalties upon conviction may include:

• CSC 1^st degree: years to life in prison, lifetime electronic monitoring
• CSC 2^nd degree: up to 15 years in prison, lifetime electronic monitoring
• CSC 3^rd degree: up to 15 years in prison
• CSC 4^th degree: up to two years in prison, up to $500 in fines

In addition to the potential penalties listed above, if convicted of rape or another sex crime, registration on the public Michigan Sex Offender Registry may be required. Registration can be for a period of 15 or 25 years, or lifetime registration may be required. Registration as a sex offender can have a serious impact on your ability to find work, housing, and provide for yourself and your family.

We Do What It Takes to Fight & Win

Rape cases are often sensational and garner a lot of attention. This can lead to a trial by public opinion, resulting in irreparable harm. Everyone deserves diligent, dedicated legal representation, and this is especially important in rape cases where, so often, the rights of the accused are violated. At Levine & Levine, we have a reputation for our intellectual rigor and tireless pursuit of justice for our clients. We dig deep into every case, leaving no stone unturned.

Our Kalamazoo rape defense attorneys are tireless in their pursuit of justice for our clients. We are fierce litigators who aren't afraid to go to trial. We know that every aspect of your case matters and deserves our undivided attention, from filing the necessary pre-trial motions to preparing clients for court. When adequate doesn't cut it, turn to Levine & Levine.

Get started building a strong defense today. Call our firm at (269) 218-8880 or request a consultation online.