How the Little-Used Michigan Law on Seduction Can Come into Play in Criminal Sexual Conduct Cases

WHAT IS SEDUCTION?

Seduction is a Michigan law that was first passed in 1846 and has not been updated since 1931, and it shows in its definition. Under MCL 750.532, the crime of seduction is “any man who shall seduce and debauch any unmarried woman shall be guilty of a felony.” There is a five-year maximum in state prison upon conviction and a maximum fine of $2,500. There is also a short statute of limitations on seduction cases, as they will not be tried once one year has passed since the date of the alleged offense. This one-year limitation can be waived by the defendant. It is important to note that the crime of seduction requires a man to be the actor, and the woman the victim. The law is based on the idea that the man persuaded or induced a woman to submit to his sexual embraces when she would have not acted in this way otherwise. While the purpose of this law may have an old intent, the action of the law can be helpful in criminal sexual conduct cases. 

HOW THIS CHARGE CAN BE USED IN CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT CASES

One of the most dangerous and life-altering parts of being charged with criminal sexual conduct of any kind is the requirement of being on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry if you are convicted. You can be required to register from 15 years to life depending on the seriousness of the criminal sexual conduct charge. The Michigan crime of seduction is not designated under any of the tiers of the Michigan Sex Offender Registry and is thus excused from being included on the registry upon conviction. This means that if a conviction for the crime of seduction will not result in any sex offender registry. This in itself is enough for some people as one of their main goals will be to avoid the sex offender registry if possible. While the charge of seduction is rarely charged initially, it serves as a potential option for a plea deal that could satisfy all parties. If you are curious if your case might be eligible for a seduction plea, then it is important that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney who can give you specific advice about your case.

A RECENT FAMOUS EXAMPLE OF A SEDUCTION PLEA

In 2018, three former Michigan State University football players were accused of sexual assault on a single female. The three players were allowed to plead guilty to seduction, while one pled to an additional charge of surveilling an unclothed person. This allowed the prosecutor’s office to secure convictions and place the men under supervision while acknowledging the victim in the case. The major benefit for these men with their pleas is their avoidance of the requirements of the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. The registry is a blunt tool that groups offenders into broad categories that nobody wants to be a part of. These men could have been on the registry for a very long time if they were convicted of their original criminal sexual conduct charges. The men had faced first and third-degree criminal sexual conduct charges initially. A conviction for first-degree criminal sexual conduct can result in life in prison and lifetime registry, while a conviction for third-degree criminal sexual conduct can carry up to fifteen years in prison and lifetime registry. As you can see, their pleas to seduction charges saved them the potential of very serious consequences. If you are curious about how this might apply to your case, then give us a call at Zeineh Law so we can help. 

ZEINEH LAW PROUDLY OFFERS A FREE CONSULTATION

If you are facing a criminal sexual conduct charge or are currently being investigated, then it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Zeineh Law, we are proud to offer FREE consultations to all prospective clients. If you are in the process of choosing your attorney or are looking for an honest assessment of your legal situation, then our attorneys are available to help you now. Feel free to contact us anytime at (517) 292-7000 or online. Our advice is free, and our conversations will always be protected by the attorney-client privilege. Make your first choice towards freedom with a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney at Zeineh Law today.