Priests Are Subject to the Same Laws as Everyone Else

Priests can certainly be charged with crimes under secular law, and not simply canon law. If evidence is brought forth, charges can be brought against a priest, and if the charges are proven to be credible, he can be convicted. We have seen this occur in cases, for example, of embezzlement or sexual abuse of minors by parish priests. The procedure would be similar to a lay person who is charged under secular criminal law.