How long do you go to jail for sexual assault?

If you’ve been arrested on a domestic violence charge, assault, disorderly conduct, or drug possession, you should speak to an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call our office directly at 781-740-0800 to schedule your free consultation with one of our top-notch defense lawyers at Nate Amendola Defense. We have been proudly servicing clients throughout Norwell, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas such as Plymouth, Barnstable, Nantucket, and more.

The potential penalties for sexual assault in Massachusetts depend on the specifics of the charges. The state has two categories of sexual assault: indecent assault and battery, and aggravated sexual assault. Both crimes involve unwanted sexual contact that is manipulated, coerced, or forced on a victim, but aggravated sexual assault is reserved for penetrative acts (rape) or assault that causes severe injury or consequences for the victim. 

Potential Sentences for Indecent Assault and Battery in Massachusetts

You could be charged with indecent assault and battery for any unwanted and offensive sexual touching of another person. An example of an unwanted sex act is groping someone at a party or grabbing a grabbing woman’s breast without her permission.

Depending on the circumstances, a conviction for indecent assault and battery can result in:

• 2.5 years in jail. Less serious offenses may result in imprisonment in a house of correction for up to 2.5 years. 
• 5 years imprisonment. You could face up to 5 years in state prison for indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older.
• Between 5 and 10 years imprisonment. Indecent touching of a person with an intellectual disability carries a minimum penalty of 5 years in a house of correction and a maximum penalty of 10 years in state prison.
• 10 years imprisonment. You may be ordered to serve up to 10 years in state prison for indecent touching of a person with permanent or long-term physical or mental impairment, or indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.
• Life imprisonment. A subsequent offense of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 could increase the prison sentence to life.
• Sex offender registration. A conviction will require a defendant to provide details to the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board and submit a DNA sample to the state’s DNA database, potentially leading to a civil commitment as a sexually dangerous person. Sex offenders who intentionally fault to complete mandatory registration or provide false information face serious consequences, including additional prison or jail time.