Law enforcement is cracking down on prostitution in Massachusetts and elsewhere as we begin to understand the innate connections between prostitution, sexual abuse, and drug use. Prostitution is prohibited by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 Section 53A. The statute covers engaging, agreeing, or offering to engage in sex for a fee and paying, agreeing to pay, and offering to pay for sex. You can be convicted under this statute regardless of whether or not any sex actually occurs. Soliciting for a prostitute is likewise a crime, and it is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 Section 8. That law prohibits both soliciting and receiving money for soliciting a prostitute.
Pimping is taken very seriously because it involves the exploitation of vulnerable persons, often children. Pimping is often connected with violence, sexual abuse and sex trafficking. Law enforcement and human rights advocates are turning up the heat on pimps as we see a growing number who use the internet to sell sex. Pimping crimes are covered by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 Section 7, “deriving financial support from prostitution,” and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272 Section 12, “procuring a person to practice or enter a place for prostitution.”
In addition to the potential punishments for prostitution, soliciting and pimping, these crimes involve can involve immeasurable damage to your reputation, career, family life, relationships and more. Thus, if you have been charged with one of these offenses, it is important to call an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. To speak with an expert Boston sex crimes lawyer, click here, or telephone Francis T. O’Brien, Jr. at O’Brien Law Boston twenty four hours, seven days a week, toll free at 617-512-0939. There is no fee charged to discuss your case, and all information furnished will be kept strictly confidential.