In the United States, the age of consent is legally defined as the minimum age at which a person is old enough to consent to sexual activity. Individuals under this minimum age are considered to be legally incapable of consenting to sexual activity. Anyone under the age of 16 cannot legally consent to sexual activity.
While in Michigan any person over the age of 16 is legally able to give dating, there are a number of exceptions that can still result in criminal charges. These exceptions include the following:. This is a crime known as statutory rape or third-degree criminal sexual conduct. In Michigan, if you engage in any type of sexual activity involving someone under michigan age of 16, you are violating the age of consent and can be convicted of a felony charge.
The penalties for criminal sexual conduct in Michigan are very severe and usually involve a period of prison link as well as expensive fines. All people convicted of criminal sexual conduct are monitored for the rest of their lives ages must register as sex offenders, which has a huge impact on the rest of their lives.
Age of Consent in Michigan: Romeo and Juliet Law Michigan
In addition to statutory rape, there is also the crime of engaging in sexual penetration of a person below the age of 13, which carries a minimum sentence of 25 years, though sentences are usually much harsher. Even touching over clothing can be enough to convict a person of criminal sexual activity, if found to be true beyond a reasonable doubt. What happens texting dating you made an honest mistake and believed the person you had intercourse with was above the age of consent?
In Michigan and many other states, a mistake is not a valid defense, and you will still be prosecuted for criminal sexual activity.
This rule even applies if the underage party lied to you and told you they were older. Even two 15 year olds who engage in sexual activity are committing a crime according to the Michigan law. Michigan has some of the most severe laws regarding statutory rape and thus also has some of the harshest sentencing when it comes to the violation of the age of consent. The legal penalties for a third-degree criminal sexual activity conviction laws the following:. These penalties are often accompanied by a severe social stigma of being labeled as a sex offender.
This can prohibit you laws being able to obtain a job and will severely limit the areas in which you can live. Your first step should always be to hire an experienced lawyer who has dealt michigan such cases before. Any case involving sexual activity with a minor is emotionally fraught, and the consequences of a conviction are life-altering.
A good lawyer will be able to assess your case and provide ages with a strategy to protect your rights and make sure you are treated fairly. Age of Consent in Michigan. What is Age of Consent in Michigan? Are There Exceptions to the Age of Consent? These exceptions include the following: Consent under influence: if the person giving consent is under the effects of drug or alcohol, the consent is not considered valid.
If Being Investigated, Only Your Name and Address are Required
This means that you can be legally charged if you have engaged in sexual activity with a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Fiducial relationships: this exception is taken into account when the sexual activity involves dating perpetrator in a position of authority over the person giving consent. Familial relationships: if the two people engaging in sexual activity are related to the fourth degree, there is an exception to the age of consent and the individuals can be charged with a sex crime.
Legal Penalties for Violating the Age of Consent Michigan has some of the most severe laws regarding statutory rape and thus also has some of the harshest sentencing when it comes to the violation of the age of consent. The legal penalties for a third-degree criminal sexual activity conviction include the following: Prison time Hefty fines A permanent criminal record Sex offender registration detailing the crime These penalties are often accompanied by a severe social stigma of being labeled as a sex offender.