Recently, 48-year-old Emil M. Sporcic Jr. of Oakland was charged with allegedly sexually assaulting two young boys who are now teenagers in various locations in Saginaw County.
According to a news article at Mlive.com, the sexual assaults took place beginning in January of 2010 and continuing to August of this year. Sporcic has been charged with five counts each of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and third-degree criminal sexual conduct by force or coercion.
A not guilty plea was entered by Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank at Sporcic’s arraignment on September 18. He was ordered held without bond, and remains in jail. Last week Sporcic waived his right to a preliminary hearing before District Judge M.T. Thompson. A new hearing date has not yet been scheduled.
While first-degree criminal sexual conduct is the most serious charge for a sexual offense and involves penetration, third-degree CSC also involves penetration. A conviction for first-degree CSC may result in a life prison term, while third-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The allegations against the defendant in this case are extremely serious; if found guilty, Sporcic may be sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Depending on the facts of the case and the evidence, his defense lawyer may advise him that working out a plea agreement with prosecutors may result in a more favorable outcome. However, if Sporcic is innocent of the charges leveled against him, it may be better to go to trial and prove his innocence in order to avoid criminal penalties and the requirement to register as a sex offender.
Cases involving sexual allegations are often complex, and require the legal guidance and support of a capable Michigan sex crime attorney. Whether you have been accused of child pornography or have been charged with rape or solicitation of a minor, it is critical that you take action to protect your legal rights and future immediately.