Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Blog
We may still be seeing the fallout from the lockdown order even though it’s been lifted. You might think that crime has declined, but the fact of the matter is that you could still face criminal charges even though you’ve never left your home. If you’ve been charged with a sex crime, your entire future is at stake. Don’t leave your life in the prosecution’s hands – contact an Ann Arbor criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Some of the Charges You Can Face in Michigan
There is a wide variety of sex crimes you can be charged with as a result of using the internet on your computer or smartphone:
- Solicitation of a minor
- Indecent exposure
- Child pornography
- Solicitation of a prostitute
- Lewd behavior
All of these are crimes independent of the internet, but the internet makes it easier to find yourself facing these charges. Nothing is what it seems on the internet – people lie about their age and their intentions all of the time. Child pornography can be hidden among other files. Regardless of the situation, you can be charged with a sex crime even if you had no intention of doing anything illegal.
The Prosecutor Must Prove Intent
For almost any sex crime, online or not, the prosecution must prove the element of intent. In other words, they must prove that you knowingly intended to commit the crime. For example, if you have been charged with online solicitation of a minor, they must prove that you requested someone under the age of 18 to engage in sexual conduct.
Prosecutors will try to persuade you that their case is ironclad. Fortunately, this is not often the case. Our Ann Arbor criminal defense attorney will be able to evaluate the evidence against you to determine whether the prosecution can actually prove the element of intent.
Watch Out for Entrapment
Many sex crime charges are the product of police entrapment. They may set up a fake website, create a fake profile, or engage in other tactics described as “sting operations” intended to catch criminals. Law enforcement officers may pose as someone else and entice you to behave in a certain way or say certain things. Ultimately, they use these tactics to gather evidence and support a sex crime charge, using your own words and actions to build a case against you.
Generally speaking, entrapment occurs when the police use coercion to persuade you to commit a crime. However, they have to do more than simply provide the opportunity to commit a crime. An experienced Ann Arbor criminal defense attorney can review your case and determine whether entrapment would be a viable defense.
Facing Charges in Michigan? Contact Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Attorney Sam Bernstein
At ArborYpsi Law, we know how overwhelming it can be if you’ve been charged with a sex crime. Your entire life hangs in the balance. That’s why we provide aggressive legal representation with complete dedication to fighting for your rights. Call us at 734-883-9584 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.