Michigan Ex-Con Charged In 15 Year-Old Child Abuse Cold Case

Being convicted of any crime will change your life forever. Not only will it bring legal consequences, but it is a stigma that will permanently follow a person. Ask any child abuse lawyer in Michigan, being charged and convicted multiple times will generally bring stiffer penalties. Recently, news sources in Michigan reported on a case where police arrested a Michigan man for his involvement in the death of his infant daughter 15 years ago.

In October 1995, four month old Jessica Syzak died due to severe head trauma. The police ruled the incident a homicide and named her father, Scott Syzak, as the prime suspect. However, he was not prosecuted because there was not enough evidence to charge him.

Port Huron Police Department officials continued to follow the case for 15 years, eventually conducting interviews with both Syzak and the baby’s mother, Candace Syzak. During these interrogations, both individuals admitted to detectives that they lied during initial questioning regarding Jessica’s death. Consequently, police charged Scott Syzak for the murder, as well as being a habitual offender.  Syzak was previously convicted of second-degree child abuse charges in Michigan, as well as writing checks against a nonexistent account. Syzak served almost four years in prison for these crimes. However, he now faces the possibility of harsher penalties in the homicide case because of his prior criminal history.  Michigan’s Habitual Offender Statute and Michigan Sentencing Guidelines both work to create harsher penalties for repeat offenders.  Also, repeat offenders tend to lose the sympathy of the judge as they repeatedly appear in court for new prosecutions.  Homicide charges such as Scott Syzak’s open murder charge already carry a potential for life in prison, however, Michigan’s Habitual Offender Statute generally makes sentences for felonies progressively more severe with each prior felony.

As seen by the case of Scott Syzak, criminal charges can permanently alter a person’s life. In addition to great restrictions placed on one’s personal freedoms and liberties, your reputation is also affected. Unfortunately, this stigma will follow you into the court room should you face additional charges in the future. In such a case, it is essential to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced Michigan child abuse attorney. Doing so immediately will ensure the legal advice and legal representation needed to properly defend your case, keeping you at home with your family instead of behind bars.