Boston criminal defense lawyer, Kevin J. Mahoney, has a consistent record of obtaining acquittals for his clients accused of sex crimes.
If you have been accused of a sex crime in Massachusetts, you face a host of serious penalties, including significant prison time. Though Massachusetts has a reputation as a liberal state, it severely punishes criminal defendants accused of sex offenses. Here is a brief overview of the consequences of a conviction:
– Indecent assault and battery: Massachusetts law allows a maximum penalty of five years in state prison or two-and-a-half years in jail or a house of correction. The penalty may be increased if the victim is an elderly person or a disabled person. (G.L. c. 265, §13H)
– Assault with intent to rape: The penalty upon conviction can range from up to two-and-a-half years in jail or a house of correction, to up to twenty years in state prison. If the defendant committed the offense while armed with a firearm, the minimum penalty is five years in state prison. For a subsequent offense, the state can increase the penalty to a maximum of twenty years. (G.L. c. 265, §24)
– Statutory rape: The rape of a child under the age of sixteen may result in a sentence of life in prison or “any term of years.” If the age difference between the victim and defendant was greater than the number of years specified by law, depending on the child’s age, or if the defendant was a mandated reporter such as a teacher, the state requires a minimum sentence of ten years. (G.L. c. 265, §§22A, 23, 23A)
– Rape (non-aggravated): For an offense of rape that does not qualify as aggravated rape, the potential penalty is a sentence of up to twenty years in state prison. The sentence may increase to life in prison or “any term of years” if the defendant has a prior conviction for the same offense. If the offense involved a firearm, but the state did not charge aggravated rape, the potential penalty must be a minimum of ten years in state prison or fifteen years for a subsequent offense. (G.L. c. 265, §22(B))
– Aggravated rape: A charge of aggravated rape carries a potential sentence of life in state prison or “any term of years” set by the court.” (G.L. c. 265, §22(a))
When you are facing significant criminal penalties, a smart and experienced Boston criminal defense lawyer can have a significant impact on your future and your freedom. Review my record in sex crimes cases here, and contact me for a free initial consultation.
- Karen Read
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