Protect Your Name When A Sexual Assault Charge Threatens Your Future
Last updated on May 7, 2026
Criminal sexual conduct charges carry a stigma before anyone sees the evidence. A criminal sexual conduct (CSC) accusation can affect your family, work, housing and reputation while the case remains pending. You still have rights, and the prosecution still must prove the charge.
I am Carl Jordan, a former prosecutor with more than 30 years of criminal law experience. At the Carl Jordan Law Firm, I defend people in Metro Detroit and surrounding areas of Michigan when a sex crime accusation threatens their future. I offer free consultations so you can ask direct questions before you answer police questions or make decisions about your case.
Michigan Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges Depend On The Degree
Michigan separates CSC charges into degrees. The degree often depends on the alleged act, the ages involved, the claimed use of force or coercion and any position of authority. First-degree and third-degree CSC usually involve alleged sexual penetration. Second-degree and fourth-degree CSC usually involve alleged sexual contact.
The degree matters because the corresponding penalties can change sharply. Some convictions can involve long prison sentences, sex offender registration and court orders that affect your daily life. Even a lower-degree charge can create serious risks for your record, job and reputation.
Sensitive Allegations Need A Careful Defense
A CSC case often starts with a version of events that police treat as complete. That does not mean the first version answers every legal question. The defense needs to test the source of each claim, the way police collected information and the facts that may change the meaning of what happened.
Important defense issues may include the following:
- Consent questions tied to the facts and ages involved
- Timeline gaps that weaken the claimed sequence of events
- Message history that changes the context of the accusation
- Interview tactics that led to unclear or pressured statements
False accusations do occur. Still, a defense should not rely on that claim alone. The stronger approach looks at what the evidence proves, what it leaves out and where the state’s theory fails.
A Conviction Can Affect More Than Sentencing
The sentence is only one part of the risk. A CSC conviction can affect housing, employment, professional licensing, custody, immigration status and firearm rights. Sex offender registration can also place your personal information on a public registry if the conviction requires it.
These cases also require discretion. Since founding Carl Jordan Law Firm 2003, I have handled serious criminal matters with a focus on direct advice and careful preparation. I understand that a CSC case can affect private relationships as much as public records.
Answering Questions People Often Ask After A CSC Arrest
These answers address common concerns about Michigan criminal sexual conduct charges.
What is criminal sexual conduct (CSC) in Michigan?
CSC includes a range of sexual offenses classified into four degrees, based on the alleged act, age, consent and use of force.
What are the penalties for sexual assault or CSC?
Penalties vary from years to life in prison, mandatory sex offender registration and restrictions on housing, employment and travel.
Can someone be convicted without physical evidence?
Yes — in some cases, testimony alone can lead to charges. A skilled criminal defense attorney can expose inconsistencies and protect your rights.
What if the accusation is false?
False accusations happen. Your lawyer can challenge the credibility of statements, cross-examine witnesses and present evidence proving your innocence.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. Most CSC convictions require mandatory registration in Michigan’s Sex Offender Registry for years or even for life.
Why should I hire a defense attorney immediately?
Early representation helps protect your rights, manage investigations and prevent statements that could be used against you later.
Start With A Free, Confidential Review Of The Allegation
A CSC charge can damage your reputation before the record receives careful review. I will examine the allegation, the surrounding context and the potential risks before helping you respond with discretion. Call 248-791-2792 or use the contact page to schedule a free consultation.