College Sex Crimes in Michigan
Aug 17, 2015, by College Crime, Criminal Defense, Legal Blog, Sex Crimes inSex crimes are unfortunately common on campuses across the nation, including here in Michigan. Some of the most common charges related to sex offenses include forcible rape, forcible sodomy, forcible fondling and sexual assault with an object. The University of Michigan at Ann Arbor alone recorded the second-highest number of sex crimes reported on campus in the U.S. in the latest year we have national data for, totaling 34 incidents.
While this number (and others on campuses across the state) is the highest reported by the school so far, it may not reflect an increase in actual assaults, but rather an increase in reporting. Rape and other college sex crimes are being reported more and more here in Michigan as some of the stigma starts to go away. In turn, Michigan police are taking these accusations very seriously. Since a majority of sex crimes accusations are against a person the victim has a personal relationship with, many of the alleged perpetrators are immediately found and questioned by campus police.
What It Means If You Are Accused of a College Sex Crime
Rape and other sex crimes accusations are taken very seriously now, which means that the accused face serious long-term consequences. Not only do those convicted of campus sex crimes face legal consequences that can include jail time and forcible registry as a sexual predator, but also campus consequences. Some accused sex offenders are expelled from school and unable to finish their degrees, even if the case never goes to trial.
If you are accused of a sex crime, you need to realize the true implications of these allegations now. The job of police is not to help you prove your innocence; it is to find evidence for a conviction of the guilty party. It may be tempting to simply tell your side of the story, but you are better off remaining silent and getting the help of an experienced sex crimes lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so even admitting to consensual sex could be misconstrued to prove your guilt.
If you have been accused of a campus sex crime, don’t give a statement to the school or to the police without consulting an attorney. Call us right away at the Davis Law Group at (313) 818-3238 for a free consultation on your case. Our Michigan criminal lawyers will listen to your side of the story and may be able to devise a strong defense against the consequences at school and in court.