Michigan — Statute

750.164 – Desertion following marriage to escape prosecution | Michigan Law

Michigan law penalizes marrying to escape prosecution for rape or seduction and then deserting the spouse, with a 5-year limit for legal action.

Legal Content

Michigan State Law

750.164 – Desertion following marriage to escape prosecution

Michigan Penal Code § 750.164

Summary

This law makes it a felony for a man or boy to marry a woman or girl to avoid prosecution for crimes like rape or seduction, and then abandon her without good cause. The law applies to marriages entered into specifically to escape legal action, with a 5-year statute of limitations for prosecution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Attorneys Choose FlawFinder

Side-by-side with Westlaw and LexisNexis

Feature	FlawFinder	Westlaw	LexisNexis
Monthly price	$19 - $99	$133 - $646	$153 - $399
Contract	None	1-3 year min	1-6 year min
Hidden fees	$0, always	Up to $469/search	$25/mo + per-doc
Police SOPs	✓ 310+ departments	✗	✗
Zero-hallucination AI	✓ CitationGuard	✗	✗
Cancel	One click	Termination fees	No option to cancel

Explain Like I'm 5

In simple terms: Michigan law penalizes marrying to escape prosecution for rape or seduction and then deserting the spouse, with a 5-year limit for legal action.. This means people must follow this rule, and breaking it can lead to criminal penalties.