When you need an experienced Woburn personal injury attorney, you can count on Faneuf Law Group LLC. Let us deal with all of the paperwork and hassles, while you rest and get back on your feet.

 

Massachusetts Sexual Assault Lawyer

In the state of Massachusetts, sexual assault is defined as any crime in which the offender subjects the victim to sexual touching that is unwanted and offensive. The unwanted sex act is one that is forced upon someone, whether it is penetration or simply sexualized touching. Grabbing a woman's buttocks without her permission, for example, would be considered sexual assault and not rape.

Different Types of Sexual Assault In Massachusetts

There are two different categories of sexual assault – one is called “indecent assault and battery,” the other being “aggravated sexual assault.”

If any harm comes to the victims as a result of the indecent assault, it can be elevated to an aggravated indecent assault crime. Essentially, if any medical attention is required due to injuries sustained during a sexual assault, it becomes a case of aggravated sexual assault. With this will come much harsher punishments including longer prison sentences. Regardless, both crimes are forms of sexual assault involve sexual contact that is manipulated, forced, or coerced. Sexual assault will land the offender in prison and likely on the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board.

Code Section: MGL: Chapter 265, Section 13 et seq.

INDECENT ASSAULT AND BATTERY

1. Indecent Assault and Battery on Person Over 14 (MGL ch. 265, § 13H): An indecent assault and battery is a touching that is “fundamentally offensive to contemporary moral values” including the touching of the breasts, buttocks and genitals. Maximum penalty is 5 years state prison or 2 ½ years house of corrections.

2. Indecent Assault and Battery on Child Under 14 (MGL ch. 265, §13B): A touching of the breasts, buttocks or genitals of a child under the age of 14. A child under 14 cannot consent to an indecent touching. Maximum penalty is 10 years state prison or 2 ½ years house of correction.

3. Indecent Assault and Battery on Person with Intellectual Disability (MGL c. 265 §13F): Indecent touching on person with intellectual disability. Maximum penalty is 10 years state prison, minimum penalty is 5 years.

4. Indecent Assault and Battery on Elder or Disabled Person (MGL ch. 265, § 13H): Indecent touching of person with permanent or long-term physical or mental impairment. Maximum penalty is 10 years state prison or 2 ½ years house of correction.

Aggravated Indecent Assault And Battery On Child Under 14

Aggravated Indecent Assault and Battery on Child Under 14 (MGL 265 § 13B 1/2): Touching committed during certain felony offense or if defendant is mandated reporter. Maximum penalty is life, minimum penalty is 10 years.


Every sexual law case we take on is unique, it has heavy impacts on the lives of those involved. This is especially true for sexual abuse cases. At the Woburn, Massachusetts law firm of Faneuf Law Group, LLC, we represent victims of:

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Sexual Assault

  • Rape

  • Incest

  • Child Sex Abuse

  • Campus Sexual Assault

While sexual offenses are prosecuted in criminal court, victims can file a civil suit against the perpetrator and any entities considered partially liable for the incident. Those third parties may include the owner of the premises on which the assault took place, or others whose negligence contributed to the crime.

It’s important to note that civil court standards are different from criminal trials. In a criminal trial, the standard would be “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Now, in civil cases, the standard is “preponderance of evidence.”

If the person responsible for the assault is not convicted in criminal court, a victim may still receive compensation through a civil lawsuit. In the state of Massachusetts, a person won’t be able to file a civil lawsuit for sexual assault, not exactly that is. Rather, you may need to file “assault and battery” or “intentional infliction of emotional distress.” Fortunately, your attorney will be able to ask questions not permitted in a criminal trial.

Sexual assault is a very serious allegation that can result in a lifetime of penalties and permanent damage. Under Massachusetts law, sexual assault is defined in a few different ways. Please contact Faneuf Law Group LLC to discuss the specific facts of your potential case so we can ensure you’re taking the right steps forward.

As our client, you can expect the following:

  • Over 17+ years of experience

  • A personalized approach to even the toughest legal matters

  • One-on-one attention

  • Available 24/7

Civil Lawsuits For Sexual Assault In Massachusetts

While sexual assault is a crime, you may be able to sue the perpetrator in civil court for injuries that would include:

  • Medical Treatment

  • Psychological Trauma

  • Loss Of Wages

  • Other Damages

Depending on the facts of your specific sexual assault case, you might be able to sue a third party for liability. We’ll use a few examples below.

In the case that you are sexually assaulted at work, you may be able to sue your employer if they didn’t do an adequate background check on the person who assaulted you. If you were sexually assaulted in a parking garage, the property owner could be liable if sufficient security measures were not implemented.

A sexual assault lawyer in Woburn will identify all liable parties and make sure you receive maximum compensation for all of your injuries.

Talk to An Experienced Sexual Assault Lawyer In woburn

If you’ve been the victim of a sexual assault in Massachusetts, make sure you take advantage of our free, no obligation consult. You should do your due diligence and research, what you’re looking for is an experienced sexual assault lawyer in Woburn that understands state law and the steps you can take to receive maximum compensation for your sexual assault injuries.

If you’re indeed a sexual assault victim, contact our dedicated sexual assault lawyers in Boston now. You have a few different options to reach out. First, the chat box on your right. You can also reach us directly, just call (617) 939-9894. You can also use our contact form on the website, click here to do so.

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