According to the Detroit News, a 19-year-old was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old girl he met on Facebook. Third degree sexual conduct is sometimes referred to as “statutory rape.”
Here, the 19-year-old boy had been hiding in the girl’s bedroom for up to two days before the girl’s mother discovered him. The girl told the police they had “sexual contact.”
Under Michigan law, the age of consent is 16. The law doesn’t require the existence of intent to sexually assault another, simply that a person be under 16 years and engaged in sexual relations. Thus, although a younger party may say yes, the older partner may be subjected to the harsh injustice of prolonged prison time and placement of his or her name on the sex crimes registry.
In the instant case, if convicted, the 19-year-old faces up to 15 years in prison and must register as a sex offender.
If you or a loved one has been charged with statutory rape or any other sex crime, it is crucial to contact an experienced sex crimes defense attorney to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and ensure your name doesn’t end upon the registry.
For more information, please contact Grabel & Associates, a Michigan sex crimes defense firm dedicated to protecting your rights.