Massachusetts Sexual Assault Charges

Being charged with a sex offense in Massachusetts is emotionally devastating. Types of Sex Crimes include indecent assault and battery and Rape are the two most common types of sex offense crimes.

Sexual Assault Defense in Massachusetts: What to do prior to formal charges being issued if you are asked to go to the Police Station

Often you may be contacted by the police prior to formal charges being brought when there are allegations of Rape or Indecent Assault and Battery.

It is important to speak to a lawyer immediately: This is not the type of charge that will simply go away.

1st: keep in mind that the police or a detective may attempt to contact you to get your statement. They may call you and say something like we need you to come to the station, as if you have no choice in the matter.

You do not have to go speak to the police; and in no circumstances should you go speak to the detective. You should speak to a lawyer before speaking to a detective. It is highly unlikely that any lawyer would suggest you speak to the detective.

2nd: You want to begin to gather evidence that supports your theory of defense

In a sexual assault charge, like an indecent assault and battery or rape charge, you want to start developing a theory as to why the fabricated the charge. It is important to hire an investigator to begin interviewing witnesses and looking for potential surveillance evidence and any other evidence that if not obtained immediately may be lost.

There are different types of sex crimes. An indecent assault and battery is a touching of another person in their private areas. Indecent Assault and Battery has two types of charges depending on whether the victim is over or under 14 years old. What separates an indecent assault and battery from a Rape charge is the use of force. Statutory Rape is a sex crime where the allegation is you had sex with someone under age. The key point to know about statutory rape is that consent is not a defense to a statutory rape charge; nor is it a defense to say that you thought the person was of age.

Penalties includes jail time, length and restrictive probationary conditions, and sex offense registration requirements. Along with that being charged with a sex crime can be very damaging to your reputation along with impacting your families life and your livelihood.

The first thing you need to do if charged with a sex crime is find a highly skilled attorney experienced in the field. This is not the type of criminal charge that you want to make your decision to hire an attorney based on who has the lowest price. When you meet with our lawyers, you will know you are in the best hands possible under the circumstances.

Attorney DelSignore is a Massachusetts criminal defense attorney experienced at defending sex crime cases. A sex crime case involves a vigorous defense that will often require a careful and complete investigation prior to trial. Many allegations of Indecent Assault and Battery and or Rape will require a trial or strong trial preparation to convince the District Attorney to reduce or dismiss the charge.

Important tips:

• Do not talk to anyone about your charges or case except your attorney, not even police because you do not want to incriminate yourself or give people a false interpretation of what happened
• Get as much education on the charges you are facing, regardless if your innocent or not
• Make sure your facts are straight and do not lie to your attorney because it will make things worse in the end, be truthful and straightforward and bring forth any evidence you have
• Realize the severity of what is going on and prepare for a long tough road, it is not going to be easy but with the right attorney you will get through it
• The number one thing you must do is, DO NOT contact the victim of the case! Leave your emotions out of it and let your attorney handle the case.

Types of sex offenses:

• Indecent assault and battery
• Lewd and lascivious conduct
• Open and gross lewdness
• Rape
• Statutory rape
• Internet offenses, possession of child pornography

Common defenses in sex cases include:

• Consent
• Fabrication by the alleged victim, a motive to fabricate charges for to gain some unrelated advantage, such as in a child custody situation, jealously, or revenge
• Mental incompetency on the part of the alleged victim
• Improper influence of parents or adults over alleged child sexual assault victims.

Sexual Assault allegations in Massachusetts require the presentation of a strong defense at the time of trial. Typically, sex crime cases involve obtaining medical records of the alleged victim, counseling records, and retaining the services of an investigation to interview witnesses. This helps to undermine the credibility of the alleged victim’s account of the incident.

Attorney DelSignore will be with you every step of the way with your case.

Typically the steps that occur are:

• The initial investigation
• Arrest
• Indictment
• Charges of criminal defense
• Bail hearing
• Arraignment
• Plea negotiations and evidence finding (discussions with DA and Prosecutor)
• Criminal trial
• Verdict
• Investigations before sentencing
• Appeals
• Probation and parole
• Sentencing

Attorney DelSignore will provide you a vigorous defense to any sex crime charges brought against you. He will explain the potential serious consequences; including jail time and sex offender registration, and will fight vigorously to defend your case at trial. When you have Attorney DelSignore on your side you will be 100% prepared for anything that comes your way, and you will have all your questions answered and never be lost along the way Call for a free consultation at 781-686-5924.