How an Attorney Can Help If You’re Accused of a Sex Crime in Massachusetts
By Benzaken, Sheehan & Wood, LLP – Brockton Criminal Defense Lawyers
Being accused of a sex crime in Massachusetts can change your life overnight. Even before trial, the damage to your reputation, career, and relationships can be devastating. But having an experienced defense attorney by your side can make all the difference.
At Benzaken, Sheehan & Wood, LLP, we’ve represented clients facing everything from indecent assault and battery to rape and child-exploitation charges. Below are five ways a skilled Massachusetts sex-crimes defense lawyer can protect you and your future.
Q1: How can an attorney protect my reputation after an accusation?
The first hours and days after an accusation are critical. A defense attorney can step in immediately to manage the fallout:
Communicating with law enforcement so you don’t incriminate yourself.
Preventing unnecessary pretrial publicity.
Advising you on social media and public statements.
Coordinating with employers or schools to protect your standing.
Even before your first court date, a lawyer can help contain reputational harm and begin shaping the narrative around the facts — not the allegations.
Q2: Can a lawyer help minimize punishment if I’m convicted?
Yes. Massachusetts sentencing laws for sex offenses are severe, but experienced attorneys know how to mitigate exposure. This can include:
Negotiating reduced or amended charges.
Presenting evidence of treatment, employment, or family support.
Arguing for probation or suspended sentences when appropriate.
Using expert testimony to challenge dangerousness or recidivism claims.
Even when conviction cannot be avoided, the right advocacy can significantly lessen the impact on your freedom and your record.
Q3: How does an attorney protect my legal rights during the process?
From the first police interview to trial, a lawyer ensures your constitutional rights are respected. That includes:
Preventing illegal searches or seizures.
Stopping police questioning after you invoke your right to counsel.
Demanding full discovery from prosecutors.
Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or statements.
Sex-crime cases often involve digital evidence, DNA, or complex forensic issues. A seasoned attorney understands how to challenge that evidence and preserve every defense available to you.
Q4: How can a lawyer help me stay ahead of the prosecution?
Building a proactive defense is critical. A skilled attorney will:
Independently investigate the allegations.
Interview witnesses before the Commonwealth shapes their narrative.
Analyze inconsistencies in statements or timelines.
Retain experts in psychology, forensics, or toxicology to rebut state claims.
By staying ahead of the prosecution, your lawyer can expose weaknesses early — sometimes before charges are even filed — and position you for dismissal, acquittal, or a favorable plea.
Q5: Can an attorney help me avoid sex offender registration?
Yes — in many cases, it’s possible. Massachusetts law requires registration for certain convictions, but not all. A defense attorney can:
Negotiate to resolve charges under non-registerable offenses.
Argue for findings of “continued without a finding” (CWOF) or pretrial diversion.
Seek post-conviction relief or reclassification if registration has already been imposed.
Avoiding registration can mean the difference between rebuilding your life and being marked for decades.
Closing
If you’ve been accused of a sexual offense, time is your greatest asset. The earlier you involve a defense lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your reputation, your rights, and your future.
At Benzaken, Sheehan & Wood, LLP, we provide aggressive, discreet, and strategic defense in sex-crime cases throughout Massachusetts. Our attorneys understand the stakes — and we know how to fight for you.
Contact our Brockton criminal defense team today to schedule a confidential consultation.