Not Guilty: DNA Evidence Clears Teen Charged in CSC Case

In July 2020, our 17-year-old client attended a high school house party with 25–30 students. Alcohol was present. The next morning, a female attendee awoke without recollection of the evening. She discovered her underwear on the floor and received a message from a peer suggesting something may have happened with our client.

The complainant underwent a SANE examination, which included toxicology and DNA testing. While the initial screening showed male DNA, further analysis excluded our client entirely. Despite this, prosecutors charged him with Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 3rd Degree—a 15-year felony with a mandatory prison sentence and lifetime sex offender registration.

When juvenile sentencing laws changed, the case was dismissed but later re-filed in adult court. Throughout discovery, it became clear that the case lacked physical evidence: no DNA linked to our client, and toxicology showed no incapacitating substances.

We challenged the investigative process, highlighting conflicting statements and selective evidence gathering. Despite these issues, the court allowed the case to proceed to trial under the theory that the complainant was physically helpless.

At trial, we emphasized the scientific certainty of the DNA exclusion. The Michigan State Police forensic analyst confirmed our client’s DNA was not present on any tested samples. We also demonstrated that key witnesses were never interviewed, and inconsistencies existed in the investigative record.

After five days of trial and nearly three years of legal proceedings, the jury returned a unanimous verdict: not guilty.