Criminal sex charges are some of the most serious allegations you can face. Police and prosecutors presume the defendant is guilty in every case they build, and public opinion often follows. A conviction carries devastating penalties: jail, mandatory registration, probation, and a permanent criminal record that changes your life forever. An Andover sex crimes lawyer from our criminal defense team can fight aggressively to dismantle the prosecution’s case and protect your future.
With over 42 years of combined courtroom experience, we have built our reputation on being relentless, strategic defenders. We do not hand cases off to junior attorneys or waste time with generic strategies. We focus on exposing weak evidence, challenging improper police work, and raising the defenses that matter: either the act was consensual, or it did not happen at all.
Sex crime charges in Massachusetts are often predicated on limited evidence—conflicting statements, questionable witness credibility, and forensic results that may not be accepted by the court. Allegations alone can trigger an arrest, forcing you into a system where you are presumed guilty from the start.
We scrutinize every detail. Did investigators mishandle DNA evidence? Did prosecutors rush to charge you without corroboration? Did officers question you without telling you about your right to remain silent? These questions matter, and the answers can dismantle the state’s case. We have advanced training in forensics, and this allows us to expose flaws in DNA testing and cross-examine so-called experts who claim the evidence is conclusive. If you are accused of a sex offense, we are here to provide you with legal counsel in Andover.
Beyond jail and fines, a conviction for a sex crime can impact the rest of your life. Registration requirements can restrict where you live and work, and background checks make employment and housing difficult. Even unfounded accusations can damage your reputation, relationships, and career.
In Massachusetts, rape is defined as penetration (vaginal, oral, or anal) compelled by force or threat and against the person’s will. Indecent assault and battery refers to intentional, indecent touching without consent, with separate statutes for adults and children under 14. For children under 14 (as to indecent assault and battery) or 16 (as to rape), consent is not a legal defense. Massachusetts courts also recognize that a complainant’s testimony, if found credible, may be sufficient to sustain a conviction—corroboration is not required.
Convictions for sex crimes can also carry catastrophic immigration consequences for non-citizens. Under federal law, many sex offenses are classified as aggravated felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude, which can lead to deportation, ineligibility for visas or green cards, and permanent bars to naturalization. Massachusetts courts, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Padilla v. Kentucky, require defense attorneys to advise clients of these risks before accepting a plea.
Our job is to keep your record clear and your freedom intact. Our lawyers fight for dismissals, acquittals, and reduced sex crimes charges—and when necessary, we leverage diversion programs or alternative legal resolutions that protect your future in Andover.
Our Andover clients come to us because they know we are efficient and compassionate attorneys with extensive experience defending people against sex offense accusations. The stakes could not be higher, so we act immediately—filing motions, securing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing for trial from the start. Prosecutors count on defendants being intimidated. We count on their mistakes.
Our defense is precise, aggressive, and built to win. We know the law, we know the science, and we know how to control the narrative in the courtroom. You will always know exactly where your case stands, what defenses we are pursuing, and how we plan to dismantle the state’s allegations.
If you are facing a sex crime charge, you cannot afford to wait. Call Erkan & Sullivan, P.C. today. A dedicated Andover sex crimes lawyer from our team will work to protect your rights, your record, and your future. The sooner you involve us, the more opportunities we have to weaken the state’s case and take control of your defense. Call today to schedule a consultation.
(978) 474-0054 