Initial reports of sexual abuse perpetrated by priests shocked the entire country. As one account led to another–until it seemed the floodgates burst with these horrific allegations–the shock was overcome by outrage. Victims, people of faith, and the general public are tragically no longer shocked by allegations but disgusted and infuriated by the prevalence of these crimes.
For decades—centuries, more likely–the crimes of priests were covered up. Victims were scared into silence, and predators were moved from one parish to another to quiet any controversy. But times have changed.
Now, priests accused of sexual misconduct can face consequences. The criminal justice system serves as one means of punishment, and White Law PLLC works to bring victims financial and personal justice through the civil process. If you have been sexually abused by a priest, connect with a Okemos clergy sexual abuse lawyer from our team. With our extensive knowledge and use of sophisticated technology, we will work to hold your abuser accountable.
Increasing Occurrences of Sexual Misconduct by Priests
At the two-year point of its ongoing investigation into clergy sexual abuse, the Michigan Department of Attorney General released initial and horrific findings. At that point, the State identified 811 reported victims and 454 accused priests. The report indicated numbers were expected to rise as the State worked through additional evidence.
White Law PLLC has followed the Attorney General’s investigation of the seven Catholic Dioceses closely, compiling a Michigan list of priests accused of sexual assault. Sadly, every Michigan diocese is represented on this list. Some accused priests have died without ever having to answer for their crimes.
A sex abuse attorney in Ypsilanti, MI, is here to help if you–or your child–have been victimized by a priest. Whether or not you see your abuser’s name on our list, reach out to White Law PLLC. Our team will listen to your experience with compassion and carry out a comprehensive investigation with the goal of getting you justice.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Criminal Penalties for Priests Accused of Sexual Misconduct
Sexual abuse is a crime, and some priests have been convicted of sexual crimes through the criminal court system. In November 2023, the Michigan Attorney General released Active Clergy Abuse Prosecutions Conclude with Sentencing of Ann Arbor Priest for Criminal Sexual Conduct. The update provided, among other information, a list of recent convictions and punishments.
Consequences vary based on the severity of the crimes committed and the evidence available. Sentences range from 45 days of incarceration plus probation to up to 30 years in prison. According to the press release, Michigan has seen more criminal prosecutions of abusive priests than any other state.
A person’s freedom and future are on the line in criminal court, which is why the burden of proof is higher for criminal cases than for civil cases. A criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of the offender’s guilt, but for a civil court victory, victims must present a preponderance of evidence to prove the offender’s liability.
It is possible for an offender to escape punishment from the criminal court but still be penalized through a civil action, and a clergy sexual abuse lawyer in Michigan can help facilitate that civil outcome.
Civil Penalties for Priests Accused of Sexual Misconduct
There have been recent changes to the legal options for survivors of sexual abuse in Michigan. The Michigan legislature has extended the statute of limitations allowing adult victims to bring forth claims of sexual abuse to 10 years, and those victimized as children have until they reach age 18 to come forward. Even if you think it is too late for you to get justice, reach out to a sex abuse lawyer in Ypsilanti, MI, for a free case review–you may still have options available.
The civil court does not implement punishments of incarceration or probation on priests found liable for sexual misconduct. Instead, it requires them to pay damages and financial compensation to the victim. A Michigan clergy sexual abuse lawyer will evaluate your losses in detail, seeking maximum compensation.
Compensation can include:
- Recovery of medical costs for injuries, diseases or other conditions resulting from the abuse
- Coverage for counseling costs. Many sexual abuse victims experience psychological and emotional trauma requiring extensive intervention
- Compensation for lost wages if you need time off to recover or for lost opportunities if your trauma prevented you from ever pursuing gainful employment
- Financial acknowledgment of the pain and suffering incurred by the abuse and reducing your quality of life
- Coverage for any other abuse-related expense or loss
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
What Happens to Victims Who Accuse Priests of Sexual Misconduct?
Victims do not just receive monetary compensation for holding their abusers accountable. While coming forward is often scary, many victims experience other life-changing benefits from their decisions. These benefits include feeling a sense of:
- Justice at seeing their abuser face consequences for their actions
- Empowerment from forcing their abuser out of secrecy and into the public consciousness
- Relief for helping other potential victims escape the abuser or inspiring them to come forward themselves
- Control from taking back the narrative and exposing the truth
White Law PLLC understands how painful it is for victims to tell their stories and face their abusers. You can count on your clergy sexual abuse attorney in Michigan to take steps to protect privacy in a sex abuse lawsuit. And if you do need to testify in court, we will make sure you are fully prepared for the experience and support you every step of the way.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
We Are on Your Side and Will Stand by Your Side
Predatory priests–or any sexual abuser–deserve punishment. The criminal courts administer one kind of punishment, and guilty predators must pay their debt to society through prison time and other consequences.
The team at White Law PLLC supports these penalties but believes victims themselves deserve compensation and the opportunity to hold their abusers personally accountable for the suffering they have inflicted.
A Michigan clergy abuse attorney is here to help you do that. We are on your side and will stand by your side as we fight for justice together.
We’re Experienced. We Care.
We Exceed Client Expectations.
