Lawyers for Sex Crimes Against Children in Worcester

Middlesex and Hampden Counties , Massachusetts Criminal Defense Law Office

There are many different actions that could be considered sex crimes against children, and these crimes often carry very harsh penalties as well as felony charges. The Worcester criminal defense attorneys at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP are well versed in the laws regarding sex crimes against children in the state of Massachusetts.

 Call us at (508) 744-(508) 570-3037 today to learn more about our defense services.

Luring & Enticement of Children

Enticement is one way an adult could commit a sex crime against a child, and this involves luring or attempting to lure a child in order to commit a sexual act with them. This can be done in person or through an electronic means of communication, such as E-mail or a chat room, but the person committing the act must know that the person they are attempting to lure is under the age of legal consent. The Worcester criminal defense attorneys at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP are dedicated to diligent case preparation and can work hard to build a solid defense.

Luring in the state of Massachusetts can be done in various ways. Oftentimes, it involves a meet-up place, such as a car, building, hotel, home, or other location. The crimes related to luring cases may vary, but typically include sexual assault, rape, prostitution, child pornography, or other sexually related illegal activities that the adult wishes to participate in with the child they are attempting to lure.

Child Pornography Charges

In the state of Massachusetts, child pornography involves encouraging, hiring, or allowing a person under the age of 18 to pose nude or commit sexual acts that are being filmed or photographed. A person who films their underage significant other performing an intimate act may be charged the same way as a person who films sexual acts performed by young children. The Worcester criminal defense lawyers at Rudolf, Smith, Griffis & Ruggieri, LLP have 50 years of combined experience to defend clients in cases of sex crimes against children.

Situations that typically carry harsher penalties include:

• The child is 12 years old or younger, and the adult is at least 5 years their senior
• The defendant holds a position that obligates them to report child abuse such as a doctor, teacher, or counselor
• The child is between the ages of 12 and 16 years old and the adult is at least 10 years their senior

The crime of child enticement often comes with a penalty of two to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. Child pornography carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. In addition, both of these cases require the convicted person to register with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry, so it is important to get legal assistance from Worcester criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible.

Statutory Rape & Penalties

Statutory rape in Massachusetts is sex with someone who is under 16 years old. While statutory rape is sometimes consensual, the younger person is not legally allowed to give consent to the older individual. This means that a person who engages in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 may face child rape charges.