Michigan Sex Crime Attorneys Blog
In October of this year, Bradley Aldrich was charged with multiple sex offenses according to Examiner.com. Aldrich, who is 30 years old, was a volunteer coach for the Houghton High School hockey team according to Uppermichiganssource.com. The Examiner claims Aldrich was the assistant coach, and that he was suspended indefinitely following allegations that felony sexual acts were committed upon a student at the high school.
Regardless of whether Aldrich was a volunteer or assistant coach, criminal sexual conduct charges are serious. News reports indicate that Aldrich engaged in sexual conduct with a student between the ages of 16 and 18. Aldrich was arrested and arraigned in Houghton County, charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a student between the ages of 16-18, and fourth-degree CSC with a student between the ages of 16-18. Third-degree CSC is a felony, fourth-degree CSC a high court misdemeanor.
News reports indicate that the alleged sexual misconduct took place in March of this year. On December 16, Aldrich pleaded guilty to the fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charge; prosecutors dismissed the third-degree CSC charge in exchange for the defendant’s plea.
Aldrich remains in the Houghton County Jail and is expected to be sentenced in mid-January.
Had the third-degree criminal sexual conduct charges against Aldrich not been dismissed, he would have faced up to 15 years in prison. Fourth-degree CSC is punishable by fines of up to $500 and up to two years in prison.
Sex crimes are punished harshly in the state of Michigan. For example, a person who is convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct may face up to life behind bars. Many individuals convicted of sex-related offenses are sentenced to lifetime monitoring, and required to register as a sex offender. Being labeled a sex offender creates many hardships on an individual, which last a lifetime.
Whether you have been accused of rape, child molestation, Internet sex crimes, or any related offense, it is critical to obtain the support of a highly qualified Michigan sex crime defense attorney. Your lawyer will examine and discuss all of the possible options, working closely with you to obtain the best possible outcome and protect your freedom.