Sexual Assault Laws in Massachusetts

Sexual assault crimes carry different penalties. If you have been charged with sexual assault — or you are being investigated for a sex crime — it is important to understand the potential penalties. The defense attorneys of Sweeney & Associates, LLC in Massachusetts can evaluate your case and provide critically important representation to help you deal aggressively with whatever penalties you face.

Talk to us about your case. We offer a free, confidential consultation. Our Quincy attorneys can answer your specific questions.

Massachusetts law prescribes the following penalties for various sex crimes:

• MGL c.265, s.22: Rape - Up to life in state prison
• MGL c.265, s. 23-23B: Statutory Rape - Up to life in state prison
• MGL c.265, s. 23-23B: Rape of a child under 16 - Up to life in prison
• MGL c.265, s.13H: Indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 - Up to five years in state prison or up to 2.5 years in jail
• MGL c.265, s. 13B-13B-3/4: Indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 - Up to 10 years in state prison or up to 2.5 years in jail
• MGL c.265, s.24: Assault with intent to commit rape - Up to 20 years in state prison or up to 2.5 years in jail
• MGL c.265, s.24B: Assault of a child under 16 with intent to rape - Up to life in state prison
• MGL c.272, s.16: Open and gross lewdness - Up to three years in state prison or up to two years in jail
• MGL c.272, s.35A: Unnatural and lascivious acts with a child under 16 - Up to five years in state prison or up to 2.5 years in jail
• MGL c.272, s.53: Indecent exposure - Up to six months in jail
• MGL c.272, s.17: Incestuous marriage or intercourse - Up to 20 years in state prison or up to 2.5 years in jail

Depending on the charge, different aggravating factors will invoke mandatory minimum sentencing and enhance the penalties that you face. Aggravating factors include use of a firearm, committing the sex crime during a kidnapping or burglary, or being charged with a subsequent offense.

You can be charged with committing a subsequent offense even if your first conviction was for a different sex crime. For example, if you have a previous conviction for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and then are charged with statutory rape years later, you will still be charged as having committed a subsequent offense, and you will face mandatory minimum sentencing.

Contact Our Team Today!

Every case is different. Get the advice you need regarding your case. Contact Sweeney and Associates, LLC, today and request a free and confidential case evaluation. The sooner you speak with our Quincy sex crimes lawyers, the sooner we can get started on defending you against severe penalties.