Facing a Human Trafficking Charge in Massachusetts? Our Defense Attorney Is Ready to Stand by You
Being charged with Human Trafficking in Massachusetts is a serious matter with potentially life-altering consequences. At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, our criminal defense law firm is prepared to take immediate and decisive action on your behalf. With offices in Boston and Salem, our legal team has the courtroom experience and knowledge to defend clients across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties, including cities like Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea, Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Brookline, Dedham, or Quincy.
Our team includes aggressive criminal defense attorneys, including a former prosecutor who offers strategic insight into how cases are built and tried. If you’ve been charged with Human Trafficking—or are under investigation—your future, freedom, and reputation may be at stake. We understand what’s on the line, and we take your defense personally.
What Is Human Trafficking in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, Human Trafficking is a serious felony offense defined under Chapter 265, Section 50 of the Massachusetts General Laws. A person can be charged with Human Trafficking if they are accused of knowingly:
- Recruiting, enticing, transporting, harboring, or obtaining another person for the purpose of commercial sexual activity or forced labor
- Causing someone to engage in such activity through coercion, force, fraud, or manipulation
- Receiving financial or other benefits from participation in these acts
- Trafficking a minor under 18 for sexual exploitation or labor, regardless of consent or force
Trafficking a minor is treated especially severely under the law. A conviction in Massachusetts can carry mandatory state prison sentences—including a minimum of five years, with the possibility of up to 20 years or even life imprisonment, depending on the details of the case.
In some cases, especially those involving sex crimes or minors, a conviction may also result in sex offender registration through the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB).
Even being under investigation for Human Trafficking can carry serious personal and professional consequences. If you are facing these accusations, working with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your rights and future.
Why You Need an Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney for Human Trafficking Charges
When you’re charged with Human Trafficking, you’re not just fighting allegations—you’re fighting for your future. These cases are complex, often involving digital evidence, confidential informants, and law enforcement stings. Prosecutors are under pressure to secure convictions, and charges like these can be accompanied by sexual offense or sex crime allegations that intensify the consequences.
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, our Massachusetts defense attorneys take the time to understand the full context of your case. We know that not everyone accused of these crimes is guilty, and we are fully prepared to:
- Challenge the prosecution’s evidence
- Examine potential violations of your rights
- Identify any constitutional or procedural errors
- Negotiate when appropriate and fight at trial when necessary
Whether you’re facing charges in Boston, Brighton, Salem, Saugus, or Somerville, our criminal defense attorneys are ready to defend your rights at every stage of the process.
Serving Clients Across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we defend individuals facing Human Trafficking charges throughout Eastern Massachusetts. With offices conveniently located in Boston and Salem, we’re positioned to represent clients in a wide range of communities and courts across multiple counties.
We regularly handle cases 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
If you’re facing criminal charges in any of these areas, you can count on our team to provide strong, focused legal representation. We know the local courts, judges, and procedures—and we use that knowledge to defend your rights effectively.
We Take Your Case Personally
Unlike larger firms that pass your case along to multiple attorneys, at the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we approach each case with direct, personalized attention. We understand how emotionally and socially damaging it can be to face charges involving sex crimes or sexual offenses, especially when they involve trafficking allegations.
We don’t treat you like a file number—we build your defense around your specific story, background, and goals. That’s what sets our defense attorneys apart.
Contact Us to Set Up a Strategy Session
Time is critical when facing serious charges like Human Trafficking. The sooner you have a criminal defense attorney involved, the better your chances of building a strong defense. If you’re in Boston, Salem, or anywhere in Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, or Norfolk Counties, don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson now to set up a confidential strategy session and begin planning your defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for Human Trafficking in Massachusetts?
Under Chapter 265, Section 50, penalties can include a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 20 years or life in state prison, especially if the offense involves minors or sexual exploitation.
Can I be charged with Human Trafficking without crossing state lines?
Yes. Human Trafficking under Massachusetts law does not require transportation across state or national borders. Local actions within Massachusetts that involve coercion or exploitation can still result in charges.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Possibly. If the Human Trafficking charge includes a sexual offense—especially involving minors—you may be required to register under the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB).
How does law enforcement investigate these charges?
These cases often involve undercover stings, surveillance, digital evidence, and witness testimony. Our criminal defense attorneys scrutinize every step of the investigation to uncover legal or constitutional flaws.
What if I was falsely accused or didn’t know someone was being trafficked?
Intent and knowledge are critical elements. If you didn’t knowingly participate in or benefit from Human Trafficking, our defense attorneys will highlight this in your defense strategy.