Sex Crimes

A Potentially Life-Altering Criminal Charge

Being charged with a sex crime can be devastating to you, your family, and your reputation. Sex crimes have some of the harshest penalties of any crimes in Massachusetts and can result in prison time and lifetime registration as a sex offender.

If you are charged with a sex crime, remember that a charge does not mean a conviction. Allegations of the crime must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and you have the right to a fair trial. That’s where we come in.

We know from experience that the police arrest people based on false accusations, mistaken identity, and even innocent misunderstandings. That’s why we fight so hard for your rights.

Understanding All Sides of the Story

Our Boston criminal defense attorneys know how to fight against sex crime charges. We represent clients who are being investigated for or are charged with sex crimes, including rape, indecent assault and battery, human trafficking, incest, creation or possession of child pornography, distributing harmful material to a minor, violations of sex offender registry requirements, and sex-related public order offenses such as prostitution, indecent exposure, and lewd, wanton, and lascivious acts. We are experienced at handling such cases from the initial investigation through trial, and on appeal when an appeal is necessary.

A Winning Combination of Experience and Legal Strategy

With 40 years of criminal defense experience, we begin each case with a deep understanding of how to approach juries with these sensitive and inflammatory topics. In each case, we build upon that knowledge by conducting thorough legal and factual research to uncover every possible defense our client may have, and then commit ourselves to tying those defenses together in a way that is easily understandable and persuasive to the judge or jury.

We utilize all of our legal and expert resources to build our case strategy and advise you from start to finish. Specifically, we:

  • Work with you during the police investigation, often before an arrest is made, advising you on how to handle requests from the police or prosecutors.
  • Assess the testimony of the alleged victim, and determine whether you should testify at trial.
  • Bring in the best forensic experts in the country to analyze the forensic evidence and explain to the jury how that evidence should be interpreted.
  • Involve foremost experts, when drug and alcohol use is part of the case, to explain the nuances of how different drugs and alcohol affect people, and how people may act and appear during alcohol-induced blackouts.
Mindful of Sex Offender Registry Requirements

We understand the severe burden sex offender registration in Massachusetts puts on your ability to restart your life and find employment after being convicted of a sex crime. We work with prosecutors and judges to limit those requirements whenever possible, and also represent clients before the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB).

Let’s Hear Your Side of the Story

In sex crime cases, it is important to meet immediately with legal counsel. Call our Boston criminal defense lawyers at 617-742-6020 or complete our contact form to get in touch with us.

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Client Reviews
★★★★★
I hired Mr. Duncan to deal with a very sensitive issue that my daughter had. Since the first contact, I had a very good impression of him. He transmitted confidence and appeared to know exactly what to do. I called and emailed him many times, he was polite and comprehensible with the anxiety of a father and appeared to know every step to solve the case. I strongly recommend Mr. Duncan. Flavio Lajoia
★★★★★
If you are reading this review, it means either you or a family member is in trouble and needs immediate legal counsel. Please know your search can end right now because Zalkind, Duncan & Bernstein is the law firm to hire. They are honest, responsive, compassionate and have the experience and expertise to bring... Client
★★★★★
I contacted Zalkind Duncan & Bernstein to assist with a Title IX case. From our initial conversation, Naomi Shatz had a strong understanding of Title IX policies and conducted each step of the process with professionalism, honesty and a responsiveness that did not disappoint. Ms. Shatz displayed confidence and just as important, compassion when needed. Client
★★★★★
I worked with Emma Quinn-Judge and Monica Shah. And from my first contact on the phone, on to my first meeting in their office and during the trial, I found them and the firm's entire team to be a group of consummate legal professionals who are very knowledgeable, patient, dedicated, fair, honest and caring... Chantal C.
★★★★★
I am forever grateful to all the staff at this firm, but in particular, Ms. Shah, Mr. Zalkind and Mr. Silverglate. They represented my son who was being sought for extradition to Scotland. The case took years to fight, covering new legal ground, setting precedence. But each one of these legal eagles went above and beyond the duty of office... Suzanne D.