Michigan Juvenile CSC Defense Case Study: Protecting a Teen’s Future Before Charges Were Filed

When parents first reach out to a criminal defense attorney about a potential sexual misconduct investigation involving their child, they are often overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to do next. In Michigan, allegations involving minors and Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) carry serious and lasting consequences, even before formal charges are filed.

This case study highlights how early legal intervention helped protect a 17-year-old from facing criminal charges and safeguarded his future.

The Situation

Our firm was contacted by deeply concerned parents after their 17-year-old son became the subject of a police investigation involving alleged sexual conduct with a 15-year-old girl. At the time, no charges had been filed, but law enforcement had already made contact with the family.

Under Michigan law, the age of consent is 16. This means a 15-year-old cannot legally consent to sexual activity, regardless of the circumstances or perceived agreement between teenagers. As a result, even preliminary allegations can quickly escalate into a CSC investigation with potentially life altering consequences.

A Common and Risky Mistake

Before contacting our firm, the family had been approached by police and had agreed to bring their son in for an interview. Like many parents, they believed cooperating immediately was the right thing to do and would help resolve the situation.

Moments before the scheduled interview, the parents reached out to our office for guidance.

This timing proved critical.

Unsupervised police interviews in juvenile sex crime investigations often create irreversible harm. Statements made without legal counsel, even when well intentioned, can be misunderstood, mischaracterized, or used to justify criminal charges.

Immediate Legal Intervention

Attorney Ryan Ballard immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation and advised the family to pause all communication with law enforcement. The family was then connected with Senior Trial Attorney Mike Boyle, who focuses his practice on defending individuals accused of sex crimes in Michigan.

After being retained, Mr. Boyle took swift action to protect the teen’s rights, including:

• Speaking directly with the parents to understand their concerns and gather key facts
• Contacting the investigating officer to cancel the scheduled interview
• Formally notifying law enforcement that any future communication must occur through legal counsel

Asserting the right to counsel is one of the most important protections available to individuals facing potential CSC allegations, especially juveniles.

Building the Defense Before Charges

Over the following weeks, Mr. Boyle worked closely with the family to develop a clear and accurate understanding of what had actually occurred. This process was careful, deliberate, and focused on facts rather than assumptions.

The defense strategy included:

• Learning the teen’s background and personal history
• Analyzing the context and circumstances surrounding the allegations
• Constructing a detailed timeline of events
• Collecting and reviewing relevant messages and communications
• Identifying witnesses who could provide clarity and context

By proactively assembling this information, the defense was able to present a complete and factual picture before any charging decision was made.

The Outcome

After reviewing the information provided and engaging in further discussions, both the investigating officer and the prosecutor determined that criminal charges were not warranted.

No charges were filed.

For this family, early intervention made the difference between a closed investigation and the beginning of a criminal case that could have followed their son for the rest of his life.

Why Early Action Matters in Juvenile CSC Cases

Juvenile CSC investigations move quickly and carry serious consequences, even when allegations are unproven. A single misstep, such as agreeing to a police interview without counsel, can dramatically alter the outcome.

This case underscores the importance of speaking with an experienced defense attorney as soon as law enforcement becomes involved. Early advocacy allows critical decisions to be made deliberately, evidence to be preserved, and a young person’s future to be protected before irreversible damage occurs.

Speak With a Michigan Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

At the Barone Defense Firm, we are committed to protecting our clients and ensuring their voice is heard before life changing CSC charges are filed. If your family is facing a similar situation, we encourage you to contact our office immediately for a confidential consultation.