The Michigan Supreme Court has reversed last year’s court of appeal’s decision that a South Lyon man was free to go home because “double-jeopardy” barred him from being tried for a criminal sexual misconduct in Lenawee County. Double jeopardy bars the prosecution of an individual for a crime for which he’s already been tried.
Often, complicated procedural and substantive issues arise in trial that may significantly affect a defendant’s rights, including judges and prosecutors who overstep their legal authority. Appealing a sex crimes conviction or plea can be extremely confusing and complex, but often necessary to ensure justice.
Here, the Michigan man – Douglas Eugene Camp – stood trial in 2007 on charges of sexually abusing his 11-year old nephew. The judge granted a mistrial after a witness testified that the Camp had also been tried in Livingston County on the same charges and found not guilty.
The case was re-tried in 2008, and the new jury found Camp guilty of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. On appeal, the court of appeals determined that Camp had been placed in double jeopardy when the 2007 court declared the mistrial and determined Camp was free to go after serving only two years of his four-year and nine-month to 15-year prison term.
The Michigan Supreme Court reversed this ruling, reinstating the 2008 jury conviction.
If you or someone you love has been convicted of a sex crime or accepted a plea agreement that seemed unfair, you may be able to appeal it. Please contact Grabel & Associates, a Michigan Sex Crimes defense firm, dedicating to protecting and defending individual’s rights.