Sexual Assault / Sex Crimes

Sexual assault and other related sex crimes are some of the harshest punishable offenses in Massachusetts. Penalties for sex related crimes, depending upon the severity of the act, can be extensive and life altering. You may not only face a potentially long jail sentence but also steep financial repercussions that may continue to impact you long after your financial settlement or sentence is complete.

Once convicted as a sex offender, your photo, name, and address will be included on the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board website for the rest of your life. Any member of the public will be able to search your name on the website and see where you live as well as the type of crimes that you were convicted of committing. The stigma of your conviction and inclusion on this website may lead to challenges for you personally and professionally.

If you are facing sexual assault charges of any kind, consider contacting the attorneys at Altman & Altman to review the details of your case. Their experienced team will handle your case with professionalism and sensitivity and provide you with the legal guidance that you need.

What are Sex Crimes in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has determined that the following are sex crimes and punishable offenses:

• Dissemination of Possession of Obscene Matter
• Enticing a Person for Prostitution or Sexual Intercourse
• Indecent Assault & Battery (Age 14 or under)
• Indecent Assault & Battery (Age 14 or over)
• Indecent Exposure
• Inducing a Minor into Prostitution
• Internet Sex Crimes
• Lewd Conduct
• Prostitution, Pimping and Soliciting
• Statutory Rape
• Violation of Sex Offender Registration Requirement Sex Offender Registry

If you or a family member have had charges filed against you for any sexual related crime, it’s important to fully understand the severity of the charges that have been filed against you to determine your next best steps from a legal perspective as the punishment varies based upon the severity of the crime.

What are common penalties for sex crimes in Massachusetts?

Penalties for a sex crime conviction vary depending upon the severity of the crime. In addition, age and ability to give consent is also considered.

• The age of consent for sexual contact varies from state to state. Massachusetts defines a person who is sixteen years or older to be legally capable of consenting to sexual intercourse. If the victim of the assault is a minor, the law notes that they are not able to provide consent to any sexual acts.
• An individual who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not be able to give consent in the eyes of the law. In order to prove this, the prosecution must prove that the defendant knew that the complainant was incapable of providing consent due to being under the influence and that the level of intoxication prevented the complainant from providing consent.
• Felony sex crimes can include lengthy prison sentences (including life in prison) and extensive fines.
• Other examples of sentences for sex related crimes include probation, community service, and counseling.

If you or a loved one have been accused of or charged with sexual assault, contact Altman & Altman LLP. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to hear the details of your case and provide you with a free consultation. Contact us online or call us at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll free).