This law prohibits the “inducement” of a minor, whom is under age 16, into engaging in prostitution. The word “induce” for the purposes of this crime includes to move and lead, as by persuasion or influence, to inspire, call forth, or bring about by influence or stimulation, prevail upon, entice, lure, persuade, tempt, incite, solicit, coax, or invite.
Under Massachusetts criminal law, the crime of Inducing a Minor into Prostitution is a felony sex offense and may be found at Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 272, Section 4A.
Legal Elements of Inducing a Minor into Prostitution
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In order to be found guilty of Inducing a Minor into Prostitution under Massachusetts criminal law, there must be strong evidence of the following four legal elements:
- the complainant was a minor, being under the age of 16;
- the defendant induced the minor, not yet engaged in prostitution to engage in prostitution;
- the minor did engage in prostitution.
Potential Punishment if Convicted of Inducing a Minor into Prostitution in Massachusetts
The potential consequences for Inducing a Minor into Prostitution, if convicted, in the Commonwealth may be found at Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 272, Section 4A.
A defendant convicted of Inducing a Minor into Prostitution shall be sentenced to a term in state prison that does not exceed five years, nor less than three.
Because Inducing a Minor into Prostitution is a sex offense, convicted offenders must also comply with statutory sex offender registration and treatment requirements.
If you have been charged with inducing a minor into prostitution in Massachusetts, call (508) 213-9113 to schedule a free consultation with an award winning criminal defense law firm that can defend your rights against Sex Crimes in Massachusetts.
