My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan
Hello – I’m asking a question for a friend that does not have internet access – that is also in Michigan. He was recently charged with sexual assault by a “woman scored” according to him. He is in his mid-50’s and she around 45 y/o . He was cheating on his current girlfriend with this woman in that he kissed her and left a hickey on her breast but felt guilty (again according to him) before it went further. He promised to return after making an excuse to leave but in a follow-up call told her that he was in a relationship and was no longer interested in her. She was infuriated (go figure she didn’t like to feel used) then called the police about 8 hours later and reported the consensual kissing on fondling as an assault.
He was later arrested and question by the police, he gave a statement of events figuring he had nothing to hide and nothing to be concerned about once he explained what happened – but in his ignorance it was accepted as admission guilt. He was appointed an attorney that asked him to take a plea to a lesser offence; I think he was changed with csc 4th degree, later added 2nd degree if I understand correctly. He fired the appointed attorney when they insisted on a plea deal even after hearing his version of events. He borrowed 2k and hired a local attorney (from his current girlfriend for some added irony). He asked to take a polygraph even though he knew the plaintiff couldn’t be forced to do the same, even if not admissible – but to let his new attorney, the prosecutor, and the judge know he passed – but his new attorney missed the appointment and the prosecutor refused to reschedule. The case then went to a preliminary hearing and will be going to trial, but his current attorney now decided it would cost him an additional 10k to represent him at trial that he does not have. What do I tell him to do now? Contact the prosecutor and continue to insist on the polygraph? (sorry about the long read – but thanks in advance for you opinions) Also – he plans to litigate if possible later for the false accusations against the plaintiff, and if possible those in the prosecutor’s office as well. I advised him to request a jury trial and simply tell the truth on the stand, and even though his current attorney says it’s an easy case for him to win at trial, now armed with the inconsistencies the plaintiff provided in testimony, my friend is not so sure.

