Few accusations carry more weight than being charged with a sex crime. Friends, family, and even employers may distance themselves before you’ve had a chance to defend yourself. The stigma is heavy, and the legal penalties are some of the toughest in Massachusetts.
At Riccio Law, your defense is built on careful preparation and direct attention to your case. Attorney Anthony Riccio’s background as a former prosecutor provides him with a clear understanding of how evidence is collected, how charges are pursued, and where mistakes can be exposed in court.
When your future and your name are at stake, waiting is not an option. Contact Riccio Law today to speak with a Massachusetts sex crimes defense lawyer in a confidential consultation.
In Massachusetts, a sex crime is any offense involving sexual conduct where the law says consent is absent, cannot legally be given, or the act is prohibited outright. These cases are treated seriously and often involve technical definitions that turn on age, consent, force, or incapacity.
Charges are prosecuted under the Massachusetts General Laws, most often in Chapters 265 and 272. The Sex Offender Registry Board handles registration issues under Chapter 6, Sections 178C to 178Q. The exact statute matters because it controls the elements the Commonwealth must prove and the penalties a court can impose.
Broadly, sex crimes fall into four groups: acts without consent against adults; offenses involving minors, such as statutory rape or enticement; digital and distribution offenses, including possession or sharing of illegal sexual images; and registry violations, such as failing to register or update information.
Sex crime charges in Massachusetts cover a wide range of situations. Each one carries severe penalties and the possibility of registration with the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB).
At Riccio Law, we defend clients facing charges such as:
No matter the charge, the process is intimidating. Prosecutors often push for harsh outcomes, and the stigma can follow you long after a case is closed. Working with a Massachusetts sex crimes defense lawyer ensures that your side of the story is presented and that no step in the process is overlooked.
A sex crime conviction in Massachusetts can affect nearly every part of life.
Key consequences include:
In addition to the criminal sentence, Massachusetts law imposes an additional layer of punishment through the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB).
The SORB requires registration for most sex crime convictions. Once classified, your name, photo, and personal details may be made available to law enforcement, schools, employers, and, in many cases, the public. The length of registration is measured in decades and often lasts a lifetime.
| Level | Risk Assessment |
Public Access |
Registration Term |
| Level 1 | Low risk | Not available to public; accessible to law enforcement | 20 years (juvenile or first offense) |
| Level 2 | Moderate risk | Information available to public through SORB and local police | Lifetime in many cases |
| Level 3 | High risk | Public access through SORB, police, and active community notification | Lifetime, with active monitoring |
Failure to register or update your information is itself a criminal offense under Massachusetts law. These consequences often shape life more than the sentence itself, which is why early defense is essential.
Every sex crime case has its own facts, but the prosecution still carries the burden of proof. Our job is to test that proof at every step.
Approaches we use include:
The path forward depends on the specific charge, the evidence, and the court. With an experienced Massachusetts sex crimes defense attorney, each option is explored and tailored to protect your future.
Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) hearings in Massachusetts are often just as important as the criminal case itself. While the conviction determines guilt, the Board decides how you are classified and how much of your information becomes public.
These hearings are highly technical. Risk levels are based on factors like prior record, treatment history, and personal stability. With the proper evidence, it may be possible to secure a lower classification or prevent information from being broadly shared.
For those already registered, reclassification hearings provide an opportunity to reduce restrictions. Because SORB practices vary across Massachusetts, local knowledge matters. Massachusetts sex offender attorneys who understand how different boards and hearing officers approach these cases can make a significant difference in the result.
When you’re accused of a sex crime, every decision matters, and none more than the lawyer you choose to stand beside you. These cases move quickly, carry life-changing penalties, and require a defense that is both strategic and personal.
At Riccio Law, you work directly with Attorney Anthony Riccio. His experience as a former prosecutor means he understands how the Commonwealth builds its cases and how to expose weaknesses that could decide the outcome. Clients value his straightforward communication and case-specific approach, knowing their defense is not treated as routine.
Our work has earned recognition in Super Lawyers 2025, as well as honors from respected legal organizations across Massachusetts. These are not just titles; they reflect years of consistent, dedicated advocacy in courtrooms where results matter most.
If you are searching for a Massachusetts sex crime lawyer you can trust with your future, Riccio Law provides the focus, discretion, and determination your case demands.
Employers are not automatically notified, but background checks or media coverage often reveal charges. Early legal representation helps manage potential damage.
Yes. Many sex crime convictions are considered deportable offenses under federal law, and even pending charges can complicate visa renewals or green card applications.
Yes. A Level 1 classification keeps information private, but the outcome depends on the strength of the evidence presented at the Sex Offender Registry Board hearing.
Immediately after learning that you are under investigation. Quick action preserves evidence, protects your rights, and strengthens your position before charges are filed.
A sex crime charge is unlike any other. The stakes are higher, the scrutiny is harsher, and the outcome can shape the rest of your life. At Riccio Law, we provide confidential, judgment-free representation from the moment you reach out. You will speak directly with Attorney Anthony Riccio, who takes the time to understand your situation and outline clear options.
Delays only make the process harder. Contact Riccio Law today to schedule a private consultation with a Massachusetts sex crimes defense attorney and take control of your next steps.
