Michigan Rape Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated March 22, 2018
In Michigan the legal term used for "rape," "sexual assault," and "sexual battery" is Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC). Under Michigan law, there are four degrees of CSC and they cover a range of sexual contact and levels of force or intimidation.
The following table highlights the main provisions of Michigan's Rape and Sexual Assault (Criminal Sexual Conduct) laws. See also Rape, Statutory Rape, and Sex Offenders and Sex Offenses.
Code Sections | |
Elements of Sexual Assault/Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) | Sexual Assault (generally): Sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact obtained without consent and/or obtained through the use of force, threat of force, intimidation, or coercion. |
Degrees of CSC | 1st degree (felony): A sexual act involving penetration (broadly defined) and any of the following:
2nd degree (felony): Sexual contact (No penetration) with the genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttock or breast, AND any of the circumstances listed for 1st Degree CSC. 3rd degree Sexual Penetration and any of the following:
4th degree (misdemeanor): Sexual Contact and any of the following:
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Punishment | 1st degree (felony): Life imprisonment and lifetime mandatory sex offender registration. 2nd degree (felony): Up to fifteen years prison time combined with mandatory sex offender registration. 3rd degree (felony): Up to fifteen years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration. 4th degree (misdemeanor): Up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $500. |
Definition of "Penetration" | Includes vaginal, anal or oral intercourse or putting a finger or other object into another person’s anal or genital opening. |
Definition of "Sexual Contact" | Intentional touching of the victim’s or actor’s intimate parts or the clothing covering those intimate parts for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification, done for a sexual purpose or in a sexual manner, or done in a sexual manner for revenge or to inflict humiliation or out of anger. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Resources
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact any of the following resources:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
- Michigan Law Enforcement Agencies (PDF)
Charged With Rape? You Will Most Certainly Want Legal Representation
Rape is an extremely serious criminal charge and can result in a lengthy prison sentence and lifetime registration as a sex offender. If you have been charged with rape, you will want an experienced lawyer right away. Get a head start on your case by reaching out to an experienced Michigan defense attorney today.
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