Worcester Attorneys Offer Diligent Defense for Sex Crime Charges

Fighting to clear your name and reputation

Sex crimes are among the most serious charges our justice system recognizes. In addition to carrying severe penalties, many of these crimes require those convicted to be registered for life as sex offenders. But despite the seriousness of these charges, some are remarkably easy to stumble into inadvertently. If you are facing such charges in the Worcester area, you need an experienced sex crimes defense attorney on your side. At Gould & Ettenberg, P.C., we routinely defend clients accused of sex crimes. Our criminal attorneys know how prosecutors and law enforcement approach investigation and prosecution and use that knowledge to construct effective defensive strategies.

Sexual assault and other violent sex crimes

Violent sex crimes are among the most serious offenses that exist under Massachusetts criminal law:

  • Rape — Rape carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. If certain aggravating factors are present, such as serious bodily injury to the victim, the participation of multiple individuals, or the involvement of a victim under the age of 16, a life sentence may be imposed.
  • Indecent assault and battery — Sexual assault is any unwanted touching that is harmful and offensive to the victim and would be considered immodest, immoral and improper. In cases where the victim is over the age of fourteen, this crime carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison. In the case of younger victims, up to a ten-year sentence may be imposed.

Internet sex crimes and other nonviolent sexual offenses

Even nonviolent sex crimes are serious. Statutory rape —consensual sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 16 — is punishable by up to a life sentence.

Possession or distribution of child pornography can carry a sentence of ten to 20 years in state prison and may involve federal charges as well. Even “sexting” — transmitting sexually explicit pictures, most often via cell phone text messages — is a technical violation of Massachusetts child pornography laws (when minors are involved) for which some aggressive prosecutors have pursued serious penalties. These types of charges should be addressed by a Worcester lawyer with state and federal trial experience.

Contact a Worcester law firm with sex crimes defense experience

Our attorneys at Gould & Ettenberg, P.C. fully appreciate the social and legal impacts of a sex crime conviction and zealously defend our clients to the fullest extent of the law. Call us at 508-752-6733 or contact us online to set up a consultation with a caring and experienced attorney today. We are conveniently located in downtown Worcester with easy access to both state and federal courthouses as well as convenient parking.