Facing Charges of Enticement of a Minor? Our Massachusetts Defense Attorneys Are Prepared to Protect Your Rights
If you or someone you care about is facing a charge of Enticement of a Minor in Massachusetts, it’s critical to have an experienced and aggressive legal team on your side. With offices located in Boston and Salem, the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson represents clients across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties. Our criminal defense law firm is led by a team of attorneys with extensive experience in sex crimes defense—including a former prosecutor who brings insider knowledge of how these cases are investigated and prosecuted in Massachusetts.
We understand the seriousness of being accused of a sexual offense, especially charges as damaging as Enticement of a Minor. These allegations carry severe legal penalties and long-lasting consequences, even before a conviction. Our team of Massachusetts criminal defense attorneys provides thorough case analysis, strategic planning, and courtroom advocacy focused on your rights and future.
What Is Enticement of a Minor Under Massachusetts Law?
In Massachusetts, Enticement of a Minor is a criminal offense defined under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 26C. According to this statute, a person commits this crime if they:
- Entice a child under the age of 18 (or someone they believe to be under 18), and
- Do so with the intent that the child will be involved in sexual activity, prostitution, human trafficking, or another offense punishable by imprisonment.
It’s important to know that the law does not require actual physical contact or even a meeting between the adult and the minor. In many cases, the charge may arise from online communication, including texts, social media, or chatroom interactions.
The penalties for a conviction of enticement of a minor are severe. The statute provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 2.5 years in state prison, with a maximum of 5 years in state prison or up to 10 years if certain aggravating circumstances apply. A person convicted may also be required to register as a sex offender under Massachusetts law, as described on the Sex Offender Registry Board.
Why Choose Our Boston Criminal Defense Attorneys for Your Case?
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we know how sensitive and complex these cases can be. As a trusted criminal defense law firm, we take a personal approach to each case, combining aggressive courtroom representation with strategic legal planning. Whether you’re from Boston, Brighton, Chelsea, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, or areas of Essex County such as Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, or Saugus, our team is prepared to defend your rights with clarity, urgency, and discretion.
Our attorneys are proactive in challenging:
- The credibility of evidence, such as text messages or online communication
- Whether law enforcement overstepped boundaries in sting operations
- Whether the accused believed the individual involved was a minor
- Potential procedural mistakes that happened during the arrest or investigation
These are not generic defenses—they are carefully tailored to the facts of your case. We aim to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s strategy early, and we work closely with you to develop a defense that fits your goals and needs.
Areas We Serve Across Massachusetts
With offices in both Boston and Salem, our law firm provides strong legal representation for individuals charged with Enticement of a Minor throughout key counties in Massachusetts. We regularly defend clients in, but not limited to following areas:
- Suffolk County – Boston, Brighton, Chelsea, West Roxbury
- Essex County – Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus
- Middlesex County – Cambridge, Somerville, Newton
- Norfolk County – Brookline, Dedham, Quincy
Whether your case is being handled in a district or superior court within these regions, our attorneys have the local experience, courtroom presence, and knowledge of Massachusetts criminal procedure to help guide you through the legal process effectively. Regardless of where you’re located, we’re prepared to defend your rights and provide you with a legal strategy tailored to your situation.
What You Need to Know if You're Being Investigated or Charged
If you are being investigated or have been charged with Enticement of a Minor, it’s important to understand how serious this situation is—and how your actions now can directly impact the outcome of your case.
- You are not required to speak to the police or investigators without having an attorney present.
- Any statement you give—even if you think it helps—can be used against you later in court.
- Trying to explain your side without legal guidance can often make matters worse.
- Investigations for sex crimes are handled aggressively by law enforcement and prosecutors in Massachusetts.
- These cases can move quickly and may involve digital evidence, interviews, or even surveillance operations.
- Having a Massachusetts defense attorney on your side early allows you to take a proactive approach and avoid common legal missteps.
If you’ve been contacted by law enforcement or suspect you’re under investigation, don’t wait for formal charges to act. Reach out to our criminal defense law firm now to begin protecting your rights.
Take Action: Protect Your Future Today
A charge of Enticement of a Minor is serious—but it does not have to define your future. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson is ready to help you take control of your case with a personalized, strategic defense. We don’t treat your case like a number—we take it personally, and we fight to protect your rights and reputation every step of the way. Contact us now to set up a confidential strategy session with an experienced Boston criminal defense attorney. Time is critical—don’t wait to get the guidance you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "enticement of a minor" mean in Massachusetts?
Enticement of a minor involves attempting to lure or persuade a person under 18 to engage in illegal conduct such as sexual acts or prostitution, even if the contact never happens.
Can I be charged with enticement if the other person was actually an adult?
Yes. If you believed the person was under 18 and acted on that belief, you can still be charged under the law.
Is it entrapment if police pretend to be a minor?
Not necessarily. Massachusetts courts recognize sting operations. However, entrapment may be a valid defense if law enforcement encouraged conduct you weren’t otherwise predisposed to commit.
If found guilty, will I be required to register as a sexual offender?
Indeed. Registration with the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board is often required for convictions involving the enticing of a minor.
What should I do if I’m being investigated for enticement of a minor?
You should avoid speaking to law enforcement and contact a qualified Boston defense attorney immediately to discuss your rights and begin building your defense.