The term “rape” tends to evoke some very specific imagery in most people’s minds -- but Michigan actually doesn’t have a legal definition of that word. Instead, the term used to describe what people generally think of as rape -- as well as other kinds of sexual...
What does “criminal sexual conduct” mean in Michigan
The term “rape” tends to evoke some very specific imagery in most people’s minds -- but Michigan actually doesn’t have a legal definition of that word. Instead, the term used to describe what people generally think of as rape -- as well as other kinds of sexual...
Do the police need a warrant to search your phone?
You’re facing allegations of digital sex crimes or criminal activity. Maybe the police believe you took illegal explicit pictures and videos, for instance, or perhaps they believe you talked to someone else about sex crimes committed in person. Either way, they think...
Can the police force you to give up your DNA when you’re facing sex offense charges?
Once upon a time, charges for sexual offenses often rested solely on the word of the victim. Absent witnesses or obvious injuries, there often wasn’t any real evidence of a crime. DNA evidence has changed that. DNA molecules contain unique genetic fingerprints for...
Do children make credible witnesses in court?
Learning that you've been accused of molesting a child can be devastating. Your life may instantly be turned upside down based solely on the word of a child (that may or may not have been coached into saying things). Now, you can only wonder just how well that child's...
Determining felonious sexual assault among teens
The common school of thought that many in Bloomfield Hills may adhere to is that sound judgment will all but guarantee that one never has to face an accusation of sexual assault. Yet everyone is subject to lapses in judgment. This is especially true of teens (whose...
Anyone can falsely accuse you of child abuse
Anyone can accuse you of abusing your child, and they do not even have to give their name to do so. Just how easy it is was to make false allegations, was highlighted by a case two years ago against a prominent Black Lives Matter protester. When a high-profile...
When a family member accuses you of sexual abuse
If you are a parent or a step-parent, you know that raising a child can be hard work. If you and your co-parent share custody of the child, it can make things even more difficult. Kids need to go from house to house, and it can be challenging to build up any kind of...
Memory, dissociation and traumatic events
When a traumatic event takes place, it puts a lot of stress and pressure on a person’s brain. The brain can interpret this as a type of harm and then try to protect itself. To do so, it uses a process known as dissociation. This is a form of reality detachment. The...
5 steps teachers can take to prevent child sex abuse allegations
If you are a teacher, the prospect of being falsely accused of sexually abusing a child has probably crossed your mind. If it hasn't, it should. While most teachers never have this problem, you've probably heard of someone who has. It is far easier to reduce the risk...
