Recent statistics indicate that there are only about 70 registered sex offenders currently living in Taunton, Massachusetts, and there’s a very good reason for that low number.
Sex crimes are taken very seriously in Massachusetts. A conviction will lead to not only criminal penalties but also personal and professional consequences, too. In order to avoid these damaging repercussions, you’ll have to defend yourself against your charges and avoid a conviction if possible.
Hiring a top-tier Taunton sex crimes lawyer can help you achieve your legal goals. Learn more about the penalties associated with sex crimes in Taunton and how our firm can help you work towards a better legal outcome below.
Types of Sex Crimes in Taunton
Sexual-related crimes happen when one person offends another person by either touching them in a private area without consent or acting out of an unnatural sexual intent. Some sex crimes require specific touching or penetration, while other crimes only require an unnatural sexual intent and physical contact between the two parties.
Learn more about the specific sex crime laws in Massachusetts below.
MGL c.265, s.22: Rape
One of the most serious and severe sex crimes is rape. Under Massachusetts law, rape happens when non-consensual or unnatural sexual intercourse and/or penetration occurs as a result of force or the threat of force. The main element in rape is a clear lack of consent from the alleged victim. A lack of consent applies to adults who are intoxicated, disabled, or mentally incapable of providing consent at the time of the sexual act. A preexisting relationship, such as a marriage or relationship, does not confer consent.
Considering the severity of the crime, a conviction could lead to a life sentence in prison.
MGL c.265, s.13H: Indecent Assault and Battery
In Massachusetts, there’s no crime defined as “sexual assault,” but “indecent assault” is a similar offense. Under the law, this crime happens when:
- The perpetrator intentionally touched the victim without justification
- The touching was fundamentally offensive to contemporary standards of decency
- The victim was at least 14 years old
- The victim did not consent
Under these conditions, sexual intent isn’t necessary so long as the touching was indecent and intentional. Several behaviors such as touching, groping, or grabbing could be deemed as indecent assault under this law.
Per the criminal code, a person convicted of this crime will get sentenced to up to five years.
MGL c.272, s.35A: Unnatural and Lascivious Acts With a Child Under 16
This type of offense happens when someone commits or encourages any type of sexual act with a child under the age of 16. If convicted, then you could face up to five years in prison.
MGL c.272, s. 16: Open and Gross Lewdness
This crime is defined as openly and willingly exposing private areas intentionally and recklessly with disregard to the public, and it is done so in an offensive way. If convicted, then you could face up to three years in state prison.
MGL c.272, s.53: Indecent Exposure
This is one of the least severe sex crimes, and it is described as exposing one’s private parts in public in an offensive way. If convicted, then you could face up to six months in jail. Despite being such a minor crime, it is still considered a sex crime, which comes with specific consequences that we’ll outline more below.
MGL c272, s.53 A: Engaging in Sexual Conduct for a Fee
Prosecutors will charge someone with this crime if they are alleged to either agreed to engage or offered to engage in sexual conduct with another person in exchange for paying that person money. They don’t have to actually pay the person the money all they have to do is agree to or offer to which can be done through text messages or a social media platform.
Consequences Associated With a Sex Crime Conviction in Taunton
Above, we went over the prison or jail sentences you’ll likely receive if you get convicted of a sex crime, but that’s far from the only consequence you’ll endure. On top of imprisonment, you might also get sentenced to pay significant amounts of fines due to your behavior. These fines could range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
What’s more, you’ll likely get put on probation once you get released from jail/prison. That means you’ll have to report to a probation officer for a significant amount of time and won’t be 100% free after your release.
Most significantly, you’ll get placed on the public sex offender registry. This list will detail your name, conviction, address, and physical description. As a result of this list, you may lose out on personal relationships and professional opportunities. You’ll also be limited as to where you can live and work, too.
Factors that Could Increase Your Sentence
There are several factors that could result in a higher sentence than your alleged crime alone. If the alleged victim got injured, the victim is a protected class, or you used a deadly weapon, then expect your charges to immediately get upgraded. An upgraded or ‘aggravated’ charge will result in a more severe sentence.
Why You Should Hire a Quality Taunton Sex Crimes Attorney
So, how can you defend yourself from your charges and prevent the consequences outlined above? It’s in your best interests to hire a sex crimes lawyer. A good lawyer will be knowledgeable about the law. They will also talk with the police to learn more about the evidence against you. From there, they’ll speak with you to hear your side of the story. Using everything they’ve learned, they’ll investigate the situation further and help you decide on a solid defense strategy to use in court. A good lawyer could be the difference between a lengthy sentence and a ‘not guilty’ ruling.
Where to Find a Quality Taunton Sex Crimes Lawyer
Now that you better understand the benefits of securing a Taunton sex crimes attorney after a sex crime arrest, your next question will likely be where to find one. The great news is that you won’t have to go far to find what you’re after.
Our lawyers have extensive experience representing Taunton residents who have been accused of various sexual offenses. We have worked inside local courtrooms for years and developed the personal relationships we need to have our positive reputation precede us in court. What’s more, our team’s empathy helps us relate to our clients and fight for their freedoms.
If you’re ready to speak with an attorney about your situation, then we can help. Request a consultation with our lawyers now to learn more about our services.
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