Many individuals used to think of child enticement as the act of luring a child into either a motor vehicle or even a secluded area. The introduction of computers and other types of technology, have greatly reshaped the environment in which child enticement can occur. Nowadays, many cases of child enticement originate due to electronic means including email. The state government and United States Department of Justice, however, have increasingly focused on the commission of this offense. Individuals in the state of Massachusetts who are faced with child endangerment charges frequently benefit by two important aspects: retaining the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney and learning some of the key information about how child enticement charges made in the state of Massachusetts.

Applicable Massachusetts Law

In the state of Massachusetts, a person commits the crime of child enticement by inviting, luring, or persuading a child under the age of sixteen to a particular place including a building, vehicle, or outdoor space with the intent to engage in a crime including:

• Accosting or annoying a person of the opposite sex, disorderly conduct
• Assault
• Disseminating matter harmful to a minor
• Disseminating or possessing to disseminate obscene material
• Disturbing the peace, indecent exposure
• Engaging in sexual conduct for a fee.
• Indecent assault and battery
• Keeping a noisy and disorderly house, lewd, wanton, and lascivious conduct
• Knowingly purchasing or possessing visual material of a child
• Open and gross lewdness
• Rape
• Unnatural and lascivious acts with a child under sixteen

Available Defense Against Such a Charge

In order to convict an individual of such an offense, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must prove beyond a reasonable that an individual knew that the victim was a child who was under the age of sixteen years old or that the individual believed the defendant was a child under the age of sixteen years old. As a result of this requirement, individuals can frequently defend against enticement charges by arguing that the individual was aware that a child was not involved but rather a law enforcement officer who was posing as a child under the age of sixteen.

Potential Consequences of Such a Charge

Child enticement is a particularly severe crime that can result in severe penalties. Individuals who are charged with child enticement can expected to be punished by up to two and one half years in jail or five years in prison as well as a fine of up to five thousand dollars. Individuals can also expected to be forced to comply with a mandatory sex offender registry. Given the severe nature of these charges, individuals in Boston and the rest of Massachusetts charged with these types of offenses frequently find it essential to retain the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Obtain the Services of a Skilled Boston Criminal Defense Attorney

Being convicted of child enticement in the state of Massachusetts can have particularly serious consequences. A seasoned criminal defense attorney can analyze your case to determine how to reach the best potential conclusions as well as to help you prepare the strongest defense possible. Criminal defense attorney Henry Fasoldt has the experience that individuals require to successfully defend against these types of charges. Do not hesitate to contact attorney Fasoldt today by visiting his online site or calling (617) 338-0009 in order to obtain a free consultation.