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Your Champion

What You Need To Know About Consent In Michigan

In the past few years, the news media and other outlets have used the term “consent” repeatedly in reference to criminal sexual offenses. Even though this word seems to be everywhere, many people do not understand what it means.

As a defense attorney, I wish to help my clients and people throughout Michigan understand the law and how it applies to them. I am James Champion, founding attorney of Law Office of James K. Champion, PLLC. These are three of the most important things that I think you should know about consent in Michigan.

1) What does consent mean?

In legal terms, consent means that someone voluntarily agrees to have sexual relations. It is against the law to have sexual contact of any kind with someone who does not or cannot give consent.

2) What is a lack of consent?

A sex act lacks consent if a participant:

  • Has a mental disease or defect that prevents them from understanding the consequences of a sex act or prevents them from realizing that a sex act is taking place.
  • Temporarily cannot control their behavior as a result of drugs or alcohol, perhaps administered without their knowledge.
  • Is physically helpless to resist the sex act because they are unconscious, unable to communicate or unaware that the sex act is taking place.

3) What is the age of consent in Michigan?

Every state has an age of consent, which is when a minor can give their legal consent to have sexual intercourse. In Michigan, the age of consent is 16. Having sex or sexual contact with anyone under the age of 16 is against the law, no matter the age of the other party.

Ask More About Consent In A Free Consultation

At Law Office of James K. Champion, PLLC, in Grand Rapids, I can answer any questions you have about consent and the law. If you face criminal charges involving a lack of consent, I can defend your rights. To get a free initial consultation with me, call 616-953-8499 (toll-free at 888-723-0075) or send an email.