Michigan Sex Crime Attorneys Blog
Last week, 30-year-old Timothy Solloway of Dowagiac was found guilty of sexually molesting a child less than 10 years old, according to a news article at Mlive.com. Solloway had prior sex offenses and was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
According to Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz, Solloway was also convicted on two counts of sex offender registry violations. Because of the victim’s age, the minimum mandatory sentence for his first-degree CSC conviction is 25 years. The maximum punishment for this offense is life in prison.
Solloway has been required to register as a sex offender since he was convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in 2001. The victim was allegedly assaulted by Solloway at his residence in July of last year. Fitz’s statement also indicated that the child’s mother took the child to a local hospital, where it was found by a nurse that injuries, including abrasions and tears, were indicative of sexual assault. Fitz said that the child indicated that the defendant threatened harm if the child told anyone about the incident.
Solloway is scheduled to be sentenced in front of Cass County Circuit Court Judge Michael Dodge on October 31.
Child molestation is one of the most serious sex crimes an individual can be accused of committing. Like rape or other offenses involving penetration, it is charged as first-degree criminal sexual conduct, the most serious of all sex offense charges. While Solloway will serve a minimum of 25 years if convicted, he could face up to life in prison.
Michigan sex crime defense attorneys use a variety of tactics in defending those accused of sex crimes. In some situations, it may be beneficial to work out a plea agreement with prosecutors, allowing the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser crime. In doing so, the criminal penalties are typically less severe or damaging.
If you have been arrested or charged with any sex-related crime, it is vital to take action immediately in order to protect your legal rights and freedom. Contact a highly regarded Michigan criminal defense lawyer at once, as your future, reputation, and freedom are at risk.