Boston Sex Crimes Attorney
Defending Sex Offense Charges In Greater Boston & All Massachusetts - Call (617) 300-0212
Being charged with a sex crime is an incredibly serious matter, and you need the expertise of a skilled sex crime lawyer in Boston to protect your rights and reputation. At Sweeney and Associates, LLC, we are compassionate, highly knowledgeable, and trial-experienced in sex crime defense throughout Massachusetts.
- We're Available 24/7
- Backed By 20+ Years Of Combined Experience
- Fixed & Hourly Billing Rates Provided
- Retired Boston Police Sergeant On Your Side
If you or a loved one has been accused of a sex offense, we can provide the practical advice and aggressive representation you need.
Do not talk to the police or investigators about your case until you have spoken with a Boston sex crimes attorney. Contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Sex Crime Defense Attorneys Known For Integrity
We know the prosecutors and judges in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. We are respected for our integrity, diligence, and hard work. When we meet with prosecutors to discuss options to avoid a conviction, we are treated with respect, and our proposals are taken seriously.
Attorney Richard Sweeney recently defended two of the largest child pornography cases in Massachusetts history in federal court, and he has defended numerous other child pornography cases in federal court and state courts across Massachusetts.
We handle all misdemeanor and felony sex offenses, such as:
- Aggravated sexual assault, rape
- Misdemeanor sexual assault
- Sexual assault of a minor, child sexual abuse
- College student date rape, statutory rape
- Indecent assault and battery
- Solicitation of a prostitute
- Child pornography (possession, distribution, and production)
- Indecent exposure, lewd and lascivious acts
- Any of the above sex crimes committed by juveniles
Penalties for a Sex Crime Conviction in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts and most other states, convicted sex offenders are required to register with the state's Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB). This is one of the worst consequences of a sex crime conviction. Even misdemeanor offenses require SORB registration for 20 years, even if you were a juvenile at the time of the offense.
Depending on the type of sex crime you are convicted of, you may be able to petition the SORB to terminate your registration early if you have been registered for at least 10 years. However, even if you are eligible to apply for relief, there is still no guarantee that your request will be allowed. Successfully terminating your duty to register early can be very difficult. Certain sex crimes involving children or violence require registration for life and cannot be terminated under any circumstances.
Penalties you could face:
- If charged and convicted of rape, the penalty is up to 20 years in state prison.
- For a second or subsequent conviction, you can get a life sentence.
- If you are convicted of rape and use a deadly weapon, you can receive a minimum 10-year prison sentence.
If you are convicted and required to register with the SORB, your name and reputation will likely be tarnished forever. You'll face significant restrictions applying for jobs, housing, educational programs, and firearms ownership.
Other penalties of a sex crime conviction include:
- Up to life in state prison
- Public notice and publication of your name and residence, wherever you live
- Lengthy probationary period
- Court-ordered GPS monitoring through an ankle device
- Court-ordered sex offender treatment
Our Boston Sex Crimes Attorneys Can Help
Sex crimes are serious offenses in Massachusetts and can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and registration as a sex offender. It's important to understand the laws surrounding sex crimes in the state, as well as the potential consequences of a conviction.
Our team of experienced defense attorneys at Sweeney & Associates, LLC is well-versed in Massachusetts sex crime laws and can provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need. We can help you understand the charges against you, your rights, and the potential defense strategies available to you.
When you work with our firm to defend a sex crime allegation:
- We explain the stages of the criminal process, including arraignment, pretrial hearings, motion practice, and trial, so you know what to expect at each step.
- We carefully review police reports, electronic evidence, medical records, and witness statements with you to identify potential defenses and inconsistencies in the allegations.
- We discuss the pros and cons of options such as pretrial negotiations, challenging evidence through motions, and proceeding to trial in the appropriate Massachusetts court.
- We coordinate with qualified professionals, when appropriate, such as investigators or forensic specialists, to help develop a thorough defense strategy tailored to your situation.
What To Expect In Your Quincy Sex Crimes Case
When you are under investigation or have been charged with a sex offense in Quincy or the surrounding South Shore communities, you may not know what the next few months will look like. After an arrest or summons, your case will typically begin with an arraignment in a local court such as Quincy District Court, followed by pretrial conferences where evidence is exchanged and motions can be filed. Throughout this process, we review police reports, electronic evidence, and witness statements with you so that you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the accusations and can participate in building your defense.
As your case moves forward, we may challenge the legality of searches, identification procedures, or statements you allegedly made to law enforcement, and we will advise you about the risks and benefits of resolving the matter through negotiations or taking it to trial. Working closely with a sex crime defense attorney that Quincy residents can rely on allows you to make informed choices about issues like whether to testify, how to respond to plea offers, and what collateral consequences, such as registration with the Sex Offender Registry Board, could mean for your future. Our goal is to give you a clear roadmap so you are never left guessing about what comes next or how your decisions may affect your life.
Free, Confidential Consultation
Please contact us online or call us at (617) 300-0212 to speak with one of our lawyers confidentially. We are responsive 24/7, offer fixed and hourly billing rates, and accept all major credit cards. During a free and confidential consultation, we can discuss the specifics of your case and provide you with personalized legal advice tailored to your situation. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for the support you need during this challenging time.
Contact us online or call (617) 300-0212 today to learn more about how our Boston sex crime lawyers can defend you.
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Professional and successful
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If you want an extremely intelligent, strategic attorney that will be 100% committed to your case, Sabrina is your lawyer.
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Sex Crime FAQs
What should I do if I am charged with a sex crime in Massachusetts?
If you are charged with a sex crime in Massachusetts, it is important to seek legal representation immediately. Contact a knowledgeable and experienced sex crimes defense attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
People in Quincy, Boston, and the surrounding communities are often contacted by police before any formal charge is filed, which can create confusion about whether they really need a lawyer yet. Reaching out early to a sex crime attorney Quincy residents trust allows you to avoid missteps in interviews, preserve crucial evidence such as messages or electronic data, and begin building a defense before a case is presented in a local court.
What should I do if I am approached by police or investigators regarding a sex crime allegation?
If you are approached by the police or investigators regarding a sex crime allegation, it is crucial to exercise your right to remain silent and not answer any questions without the presence of your attorney. Politely decline to speak with them until you have consulted with your legal representative.
Can a sex crime conviction in Massachusetts be expunged?
In Massachusetts, it is generally not possible to expunge a sex crime conviction. However, you may be able to petition the court for a sealing of your criminal record under certain circumstances. It is advisable to consult with an attorney to determine your eligibility for record sealing.
Are there any alternatives to going to trial for a sex crime charge?
Yes, there may be alternatives to going to trial for a sex crime charge. Your attorney can explore options such as plea negotiations, diversion programs, or alternative sentencing options that may be available in your case. The goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
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We Provide Fixed & Hourly Billing Rates
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Backed By 20+ Years Of Experience
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Retired Sergeant Boston Police Drug Unit
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Free Confidential Consultations
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Available 24/7 To Answer Your Call
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (617) 300-0212.