If you are the subject of charges or an investigation, law enforcement agents have likely been building a case against you for a long time before they raid your home or office and confiscate your computer hardware and other electronic devices.
Chat rooms and peer-to-peer networks are self-monitoring, and they will report any potential violations involving sex crimes to law enforcement immediately upon its discovery. The IP addresses can also be reported immediately to state and federal authorities, who also have agents monitoring the activity on such sites.
Monitoring of sites like Omegle, Chatroulette, Chatrandom and DirtyRoulette are very common.
It is critical that you speak with an experienced Massachusetts defense attorney before saying anything to police officers or investigators alleging Internet-related sex crimes.
Depending on the charges you face, your case could be tried in state or federal court, so it is imperative that your attorney has experience defending Internet-related sex crime cases in district, superior and federal courts in Massachusetts.
Charges that we have defended clients against include:
At Sweeney and Associates, LLC,, our representation and reputation goes above and beyond, serving Quincy, Canton, and the Greater Boston area. Attorney Richard Sweeney has handled some of the most high-profile child pornography cases in Massachusetts history and numerous other cases throughout the Commonwealth.
It's entirely possible that you were not aware of possessing child pornography or disseminating obscene matter.
Screen shots from chat room sessions saved on your computer, or video recordings of unlawful sex acts sent through email or shared through a peer-to-peer network, are just two examples of seemingly minor offenses that can result in criminal charges.
Consequences of conviction can include:
In other cases, we represent clients who did commit the crime for which they are accused. However, it's often very difficult for the prosecution to prove its case against our clients.
We are often able to settle cases out of court with minimal publicity and consequences for our clients because the burden of proof is high, and we are always prepared to defend our clients aggressively at trial.
In some cases, negotiating a plea agreement is in your best interest. We have successfully reduced charges to allow our clients to avoid a jail or state prison sentence and to avoid SORB registration. These clients are placed on probation for a period of time and are able to continue moving forward with their lives.
We will work tirelessly to secure your best possible outcome under the specific circumstances of your case.
Please contact us online or call us at (617) 300-0212 to speak with one of our Quincy lawyers confidentially before you make any statements to law enforcement. We are responsive 24/7, offer fixed and hourly billing rates, and accept all major credit cards.