Facing a criminal sexual conduct (CSC) allegation in Ann Arbor is overwhelming, and the decisions you make in the first hours after you learn about an investigation or after an arrest can shape your entire case. At Grabel & Associates, we defend clients across Washtenaw County and throughout Michigan in investigations, warrants, arraignments, preliminary examinations, motion practice, trial, and post-conviction issues. Our experienced Ann Arbor criminal sexual conduct defense lawyers are focused on fast protective action, rigorous investigation, and strategic challenges to the prosecution’s evidence from day one.
When facing criminal charges in Ann Arbor, having an experienced attorney by your side can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case. Our Ann Arbor criminal defense team ensures that every client receives local insight, strategic advocacy, and a dedicated defense tailored to their unique circumstances.
What Are the Degrees of Criminal Sexual Conduct Under Michigan Law?Michigan’s CSC laws are divided into four degrees that depend on the type of contact, the complainant's age or status, and several aggravating factors. First-degree CSC under MCL 750.520b involves sexual penetration with specific aggravating circumstances and is punishable by up to life in prison. Second-degree CSC under MCL 750.520c involves sexual contact, not penetration, with comparable aggravating circumstances, and carries up to 15 years in prison. Third-degree CSC under MCL 750.520d involves sexual penetration under prohibited circumstances and carries up to 15 years in prison. And fourth-degree CSC under MCL 750.520e involves sexual contact under prohibited circumstances and is a high-court misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in jail.
Michigan law also criminalizes assault with intent to commit CSC under MCL 750.520g. It contains evidentiary and procedural rules specific to these cases, including the rape-shield statute, MCL 750.520j, limiting the admissibility of a complainant’s prior sexual conduct. These statutes are complex, and a tailored defense strategy depends on the precise charge, alleged facts, and available defenses.
Penalties and Sex Offender Registration for CSC Convictions in Ann Arbor and MichiganThe potential consequences of a CSC conviction reach far beyond incarceration. In addition to prison or jail exposure, many CSC convictions require sex offender registration under the Sex Offenders Registration Act (SORA), MCL 28.721 et seq. Depending on the facts and the degree, registration can last 15 years, 25 years, or life, with ongoing reporting obligations and substantial restrictions. In certain circumstances, lifetime electronic monitoring applies.
Under MCL 750.520n, individuals convicted of first-degree CSC and those aged 17 or older convicted of second-degree CSC, when the complainant is younger than 13, must be sentenced to lifetime electronic monitoring. Violations of monitoring conditions can lead to new felony charges. Because penalties and collateral consequences vary by statute and fact pattern, early legal advice is essential to preserve defenses, mitigate exposure, and pursue the most favorable outcome.
Which Court Will Handle Your CSC Case in Ann Arbor or Washtenaw County?In Ann Arbor, misdemeanor CSC-IV and related preliminary steps in felony cases are typically handled in the 15th Judicial District Court, located at 301 East Huron Street. Felony cases advance to the Washtenaw County Trial Court (the 22nd Judicial Circuit), with the criminal division at 101 East Huron Street in Ann Arbor. For offenses charged outside the city limits or in townships, the 14-A District Court has jurisdiction for arraignments and preliminary examinations. In cases involving Ypsilanti Township, the 14-B District Court may be involved. An experienced Ann Arbor criminal sexual conduct defense lawyer understands how these courts operate and uses that knowledge to efficiently plan motion practice, witness scheduling, and discovery timelines.
Understanding the Arrest, Booking, and Bond Process in Ann ArborIf you or a loved one is arrested on a CSC allegation in Ann Arbor, booking and detention typically occur at the Washtenaw County Jail at 2201 Hogback Road in Ann Arbor. The jail provides bond information, charge details, and visitation rules through the Sheriff’s Office, and attorney visits are permitted outside of lockdown events. Bond decisions are made in court, and in many cases, we can push for a personal recognizance (PR) bond or for reasonable conditions that allow you to keep working and preparing your defense while the case proceeds to trial.
What Prosecutors Must Prove in Michigan Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) CasesEvery CSC charge has specific elements that the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. For penetration-based offenses, the law recognizes that even slight penetration is sufficient. For contact-based crimes, the prosecution must prove prohibited “sexual contact” as defined by statute, along with age, authority, force, or incapacity elements depending on the degree charged. In addition, Michigan law provides that a complainant’s testimony need not be corroborated by other evidence and that resistance is not required. An experienced criminal sexual conduct defense lawyer in Ann Arbor understands how these evidentiary standards affect trial strategy. They work to challenge the credibility, reliability, and integrity of law enforcement’s investigation through focused cross-examination and, where appropriate, expert testimony.
What Are the Most Effective Defenses to CSC Charges in Ann Arbor, MI?At arraignment, the court sets bond and conditions of release. An experienced Ann Arbor criminal sexual conduct defense lawyer prepares a thorough bond presentation that highlights your residence, employment, lack of a record, family support, and, when appropriate, treatment resources. We ask the judge for conditions tailored to your situation rather than generic bans that disrupt work and family life, and we challenge any proposed conditions that are not supported by evidence.
What Happens at a Preliminary Examination in Ann Arbor CSC Cases?In felony CSC cases, the preliminary examination in district court is a critical opportunity. The prosecution must show probable cause that a felony was committed and that you committed it. A skilled criminal sexual conduct defense attorney in Ann Arbor can use this stage to cross-examine witnesses, test the strength of the allegations, and build impeachment material for trial. Strategic decisions about whether to hold or waive the exam depend on the case’s posture, the judge, and the quality of the prosecution’s evidence. Our team will explain the pros and cons and recommend the course that best positions you for dismissal of the charges, a plea reduction, or a stronger defense at trial.
Discovery, Expert Witnesses, and Defense Motions in Ann Arbor CSC CasesCSC prosecutions often involve digital forensics, medical records, and specialized interviewing techniques, especially for forensic interviews of minors. An experienced CSC defense lawyer in Ann Arbor understands how to scrutinize this evidence and expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We use court orders to obtain complete records, including raw extraction files, Cellebrite reports, SANE or medical documentation, interview videos, and school or therapy records when legally accessible. We retain independent experts in DNA, digital forensics, psychology, and interviewing protocols to challenge unreliable methods and conclusions. We file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, exclude improper opinions, and limit prejudicial testimony. When appropriate, we also seek dismissal where probable cause is lacking or the complaint is legally insufficient.
Trial Preparation and Jury Selection in Ann Arbor Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) CasesJuror attitudes toward sexual misconduct allegations vary widely. An experienced Ann Arbor criminal sexual conduct defense lawyer knows that effective voir dire is essential to identifying jurors who will follow the law, keep an open mind, and honor the presumption of innocence. We craft a defense theme anchored in the state’s burden of proof and the specific weaknesses in the prosecution’s timeline and evidence. Cross-examination is targeted, respectful, and designed to expose inconsistencies, memory gaps, and investigative shortcuts. Where appropriate, defense experts explain why certain interviews, identifications, or forensic steps were unreliable or incomplete, and we present lawful character, habit, or other admissible defense evidence to reinforce the jury’s reasonable doubt.
What Happens After a CSC Conviction in Ann Arbor? Sentencing and Appeals ExplainedWhen a case results in a plea or conviction, an experienced Ann Arbor criminal sexual conduct defense attorney remains a powerful advocate through sentencing and beyond. Michigan’s sentencing guidelines rely on detailed scoring of offense variables (OVs) and prior record variables (PRVs), which can significantly influence the court’s advisory range. Our firm carefully reviews and challenges inaccurate scoring, highlights mitigating factors through personal statements, treatment progress, and community support, and presents structured reentry plans to promote rehabilitation. We fight for the least restrictive and most equitable outcome permitted under Michigan law. After sentencing, we continue to protect our clients’ rights by filing appeals, seeking post-conviction relief where appropriate, and guiding compliance with Michigan’s Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) to reduce long-term risks.
What Are the Collateral Consequences of Michigan Sex Offender Registration (SORA)?Registration under Michigan’s Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) affects housing, employment, education, and travel. An experienced Ann Arbor CSC defense lawyer helps clients understand how registration duration, reporting frequency, school safety zones, and change-of-information requirements apply to their specific situation. For eligible clients, we evaluate potential avenues for relief the law may allow, including set-aside options in specific non-CSC contexts or relief available for juvenile CSC convictions. Because SORA violations are prosecuted aggressively, compliance is critical. We develop systems that help clients avoid inadvertent violations and provide a strong defense when the law is misapplied.
University of Michigan Student Defense and Campus Conduct Cases in Ann ArborAnn Arbor cases often involve students or campus-related allegations. University disciplinary processes can run parallel to criminal cases, and statements in one forum can be used against you in the other. Our CSC defense lawyers in Ann Arbor represent students in criminal court and in university proceedings, coordinating strategy to protect constitutional rights, manage exposure, and keep educational paths intact wherever possible.
Why Choose Grabel & Associates for Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) Defense in Ann Arbor, MICSC defense demands seasoned judgment, relentless preparation, and the skill to litigate complex evidentiary issues. When you work with an experienced Ann Arbor criminal sexual conduct defense lawyer at Grabel & Associates, you gain a team that practices statewide and has successfully handled investigations and trials in both district and circuit courts throughout Michigan. We are proactive, responsive, and deeply committed to protecting your future. Our attorneys understand the pressure that criminal allegations place on families, careers, and reputations, and we work discreetly to manage those risks while aggressively defending your rights in court.
What To Do If You Are Accused of CSC in Ann Arbor?If you are accused of criminal sexual conduct, do not talk to police or anyone else about the allegations without counsel. Preserve evidence immediately, including text messages, social media posts, location data, photos, and contact lists. Please provide us with the names of potential witnesses and any documents that support your version of events. Avoid contacting the complainant or potential witnesses directly and follow any court orders strictly. Early, informed action can change outcomes.
Criminal Defense Representation in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and Throughout MichiganGrabel & Associates is based in Michigan and represents clients in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, the University of Michigan community, and throughout the state. We appear regularly in Washtenaw County’s district courts and the 22nd Circuit Court, and we coordinate with Washtenaw County agencies, probation services, and treatment providers to develop firm, credible defense plans. If your case involves travel or collateral proceedings in other counties, our statewide practice ensures continuity and consistency in your defense.
Contact our Ann Arbor Criminal Sexual Conduct Defense Team Today for a Free ConsultationIf you are under investigation or charged with criminal sexual conduct in Ann Arbor or anywhere in Michigan, contact Grabel & Associates today at 1-800-342-7896 or through our secure online form for a confidential consultation. We will listen, answer your questions, and map a defense strategy tailored to your situation. The sooner you involve experienced counsel, the more options you have to protect your rights and your future.