This law prohibits the enticement of children to engage in prostitution or commercial sexual activity by means of electronic communication. The term ”entice” shall mean to lure, induce, persuade, tempt, incite, solicit, coax or invite.
The term ”electronic communication” shall include, but not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo-electronic or photo-optical system.
Under Massachusetts criminal law, the crime of Enticing a Child Under 18 via Electronic Communication to Engage in Prostitution, Human Trafficking or Commercial Sexual Activity is a felony sex offense and may be found at Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 265, Section 26D.
Legal Elements of Enticing a Child Under 18 via Electronic Communication to Engage in Prostitution, Human Trafficking or Commercial Sexual Activity
Table of Contents
In order to be found guilty of Enticing a Child Under 18 via Electronic Communication to Engage in Prostitution, Human Trafficking or Commercial Sexual Activity under Massachusetts criminal law, there must be strong evidence of the following legal elements:
- the complainant was under the age of 18;
- the defendant enticed or attempted to entice the complainant;
- through electric communication;
- to engage in prostitution, human trafficking, or commercial sexual activity.
Potential Punishment in Massachusetts if Convicted of Enticing a Child Under 18 via Electronically to Engage in Prostitution, Human Trafficking or Commercial Sexual Activity
The potential consequences for Enticing a Child Under 18 via Electronic Communication to Engage in Prostitution, Human Trafficking or Commercial Sexual Activity, if convicted, in the Commonwealth may be found at Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 265, Section 26D.
A defendant convicted of Enticing a Child Under 18 via Electronic Communication to Engage in Prostitution, Human Trafficking or Commercial Sexual Activity shall be sentenced to a term in state prison that does not exceed five years or house of corrections for not more than 2 ½ years.
Because Enticing a Child Under 18 via Electronic Communication to Engage in Prostitution, Human Trafficking or Commercial Sexual Activity is a sex offense, convicted offenders must also comply with statutory sex offender registration and treatment requirements.
If you have been charged or accused of enticement of children to engage in prostitution or commercial sexual activity by means of electronic communication in Massachusetts, call (508) 213-9113 to schedule a free consultation with MA Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer John L. Calcagni, an award winning criminal defense law firm in Massachusetts focus 100% in criminal defense.
