Rape in Grand Rapids

Offering skilled defense against a charge of rape

A rape charge in Grand Rapids is defined broadly as coercing an individual to engage in any sexual act, and specifically, as forcing sexual intercourse.

Two types of Grand Rapids rape charges are covered in the U.S. Criminal Code: sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse. Sexual abuse includes forcing sexual activity by use of threats or other fear tactics. Aggravated sexual abuse is forcing sexual acts physically, through threats of death, injury, or kidnapping, or with substances that impair the victim.

Statutory Rape in Grand Rapids

Statutory rape describes sexual relations when one participant is too young to legally consent. Physical force or threat need not be used—Grand Rapids statutory rape charges presume coercion because a minor is legally incapable of giving sexual consent.

Under Michigan law, first-degree criminal sexual conduct involves someone under age 13 and carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Third-degree criminal sexual conduct involves someone between age 13 and 16 and carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.

Grand Rapids Spousal Rape

Spousal rape (or marital rape) is non-consensual sex in which the perpetrator is the victim’s spouse. In many states, the law considers marital rape as likely to be part of an abusive relationship. The victim’s trauma compounds the effect of other abusive acts, and the rape is often a repeated occurrence.

Penalties

The penalties for various forms of rape can be severe. Michigan law defines four degrees of rape charges, with first degree being the most serious.

Michigan law mandates that criminal sexual conduct in the first degree is a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years. First degree criminal sexual conduct applies when the:

• Victim is under 13 years of age
• Perpetrator is a member of the same household as the victim
• Perpetrator is in a position of authority over the victim
• Perpetrator is armed with a weapon
• There is personal injury to the victim 

Criminal sexual conduct in the second and third degrees are felonies punishable by imprisonment for not more than 15 years. If you live in Michigan, including Grand Rapids, rape laws define fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct as a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years.

Defending against rape charges

An effective rape defense in Grand Rapids demands skilled legal support. Contact us right away for legal advice and assistance in preparing your defense. No matter how serious the charges, we can help. For a free consultation with a skilled sex crime attorney in Grand Rapids, call The Law Office of Jeffrey J. O'Hara at (616) 235-2000 or contact us online.