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Statutory Rape

Our Farmington Hills Statutory Rape Criminal Defense Lawyers Are the Team You Need to Beat Your Case

With many sex offenses, the central issues in the case center on the use of force or the lack of consent. In cases of statutory rape, sexual intercourse or sexual contact involves a minor under the age of 16 who is too young to legally consent. The law recognizes any form of sexual penetration or sexual contact with a minor under 16 as statutory rape (criminal sexual conduct). Even if the minor lies about his or her age, a person who engages in sexual penetration or sexual contact with a minor can still be charged with criminal sexual conduct.

If you face criminal charges for statutory rape, it is crucial to have an attorney on your side who knows the law and defenses available. At the Law Offices of Raymond A. Cassar, P.L.C., based in Farmington Hills and serving all of Metro Detroit, our sex crimes defense lawyers have extensive experience representing clients facing state and federal criminal sexual conduct charges throughout Michigan. We have the expertise and knowledge to explain the law and advocate for your rights. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your case.

Regardless of Consent, Prosecutors Will Aggressively Pursue Charges of Sexual Conduct Involving a Minor


Often, our clients do not understand why they are being charged with the crime — this is especially true when there was perceived consent. However, the law views anyone under the age of 16, incapable of consenting to sexual intercourse or any form of sexual activity. Therefore, sex with a minor under the age of consent can result in statutory rape charges if filed with law enforcement.

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Contact Us Today

Time is critical when facing any criminal charge. To protect your rights and build the best case, you need the right team to help guide you through the legal hurdles set up to take your money, reputation, and freedom. Call us today, and we will help you fight back.

(248) 855-0911
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How We Fight for Our Clients Accused of Statutory Rape

As with any other rape or sexual assault case, statutory rape cases generally involve “he said/she said” claims. It is your word against the other individual’s. Our attorneys go to work, building your credibility and scrutinizing the other individual’s credibility. Our thorough investigation and intense cross-examinations often uncover discrepancies in the case or a history of false accusations. Our Michigan criminal defense law firm pursues all available defenses to protect your rights and freedom.

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You Cannot Afford Anything but the Best Team of Criminal Defense Attorneys in Metro Detroit

Criminal sexual conduct conviction will result in prison time and registration on the Sex Offender Registry Act list. Because of these factors, you must have a defense attorney who knows all aspects of statutory rape law and changes to the SORA requirements.

Michigan Penalties for a Criminal Sexual Conduct Conviction

  • 1st degree: Up to life in prison and lifetime registration on sex offender list
  • 2nd degree: Up to 15 years in prison and registration on sex offender list
  • 3rd degree: Up to 15 years in prison and registration on sex offender list
  • 4th degree: Up to 20 years in prison and registration on sex offender list

SORA Tier Classifications

All registrable offenses are categorized into one of three separate Tiers:

  • Tier I: Registration for 15 years (non-public)
  • Tier II: Registration for 25 years (public)
  • Tier III: Lifetime registration (public)

Along with the individual tier creations, the recent changes to the Sex Offender Registry List (SORA) enable certain convicted sex offenders to avoid the registration requirement altogether or have their registration period reduced. It is critical to choose an attorney that thoroughly understands the requirements of SORA as well as the avenues available to avoid registration.

SORA is so extremely complicated that many judges and lawyers are relying on seminars and colleagues for guidance. Our office has painstakingly reviewed the current version of the legislation and are ready to help our clients take advantage of the changes.