MenuCharged With Accosting A Minor In Michigan? Contact George Law Today!
Accusations of accosting a minor in Michigan are incredibly serious and demand immediate legal attention from a sex crimes attorney. The dedicated criminal defense lawyers at George Law possess the knowledge and experience to protect your rights and craft a strong defense strategy.
Don’t face these charges alone—call us at (248) 247-7459 to schedule a confidential consultation with a sex crimes lawyer today.
You can also connect with a criminal defense attorney at our firm online to discuss your accosting a minor case. We are committed to providing unwavering support and fighting for your best interests throughout the legal process. Your future matters, and our sex crimes attorneys are here to help.
Who Does This Law Apply To?
Michigan Penal Code Section 750.145a deals with serious crimes involving minors.
This law applies to anyone who tries to persuade, attract, or invite a child under 16 years of age, with the intention of making them do something immoral. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t matter if the person didn’t know the individual was a child or the actual age of the child. It also applies if the person thinks they are dealing with a child under 16, whether that’s true or not.
What Actions Are Considered Illegal?
Specifically, this law makes it a sex crime to try and convince a child to engage in an immoral act. This includes, but isn’t limited to, sexual intercourse or any grossly indecent act, or any other acts that are considered depraved or delinquent. This could cover a wide range of potential behaviors, depending on the specifics of the situation.
What About Encouragement?
Yes, even encouraging a child to engage in such acts is considered illegal under this law, regardless of whether someone who is facing an accosting a minor charge knew the individual was a child or the actual age of the child.
What Are The Potential Consequences?
If found guilty of violating this law, an alleged offender can be charged with a felony. The punishment can be up to 4 years in prison, a fine of up to $4,000, or both. This can be a serious hit to your freedom and your wallet. As a result, treating your sex offense case seriously is critical and connecting with accosting a minor lawyers immediately after being arrested is imperative to safeguard your future.
FAQ
What Does “Accosts, Entices, Or Solicits” Mean?
Accosting, enticing, or soliciting means approaching, attracting, or inviting someone with a particular intent or purpose.
What Is Considered An “Immoral Act”?
An immoral act can refer to various types of inappropriate behaviors, but in this context, it specifically refers to acts of sexual nature or any other actions considered depraved or delinquent.
Does The Person Need To Know That The Individual Is A Child For The Law To Apply?
No, the law applies regardless of whether those facing accosting a minor charges know the individual is a child or knows their actual age. It even applies if the person only believes they are interacting with a child who is less than 16 years old.
What If I Only Encouraged But Didn’t Directly Involve A Child In An Immoral Act?
Even encouraging a child to engage in such acts is considered illegal under this law. Encouragement doesn’t have to be direct; it can be through indirect means as well.
What Are The Potential Penalties For Violating This Law?
If convicted, the person can face a felony charge, up to 4 years in prison, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.
I’ve Been Charged Under This Law. What Should I Do?
If you’ve been charged under this law, it’s crucial to seek legal help immediately. Laws involving minors are taken very seriously, and penalties can be severe. Working with a criminal defense lawyer can help you to safeguard your interests moving forward.
Can I Be Charged If I Was Unaware Of The Child’s Age?
Yes, the law applies even if you were unaware of the child’s age or if you believed the individual to be older than they are.
Defenses
Lack Of Intent
One key aspect of this law is the requirement of ‘intent’. If the defense can prove that the accused did not intend to entice, solicit, or accost the minor for immoral purposes, this could be a valid defense.
Misidentification
In some cases, the accused might argue that they were wrongly identified as the person who committed the crime. Eyewitness testimony can sometimes be unreliable, so this could be a possible defense, particularly if there is no additional corroborating evidence.
Age Of The Accused
In some jurisdictions, the age of the accused might be taken into consideration, especially if they are close in age to the alleged victim. This is often referred to as a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ defense. However, this would highly depend on the specifics of the law in Michigan.
False Accusations
It might be possible to argue that the charges are based on false accusations. This could be the case in contentious situations, like custody battles or bitter separations, where one party might use accusations to gain an advantage.
Insufficient Evidence
Like in any criminal case, the prosecution must prove the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, inconsistent, or there are holes in the prosecution’s case, the defense might argue that there is insufficient evidence for a conviction.
It’s crucial to remember that these are just possible defenses. The best defense strategy will highly depend on the specifics of the case.
Accosting A Minor Attorney
Facing charges of accosting a minor in Michigan can be a daunting and life-altering experience. If you find yourself in this distressing situation, it is crucial to seek the skills of experienced criminal defense lawyers who can protect your rights and provide effective representation.
At George Law, we understand the gravity of these accusations and are committed to guiding you through the sex crimes legal process with dedication and skill. Our team of seasoned attorneys has a proven track record in handling cases related to accosting a minor, and we will tirelessly advocate for your defense.
Don’t face these serious charges alone—reach out to us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Contact George Law at (248) 247-7459 to discuss your case with our knowledgeable attorneys. Alternatively, you can connect with us online by visiting our website. We are ready to listen to your side of the story, analyze the evidence, and develop a robust defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.