Federal sex crime defense attorney Boston, MA. Sex offenses carry a level of stigma and lifelong fallout that few other charges even approach. If convicted, you could face decades in prison, hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, and permanent limitations on where you could live, travel, and work. Anyone charged with a federal sex crime or notified through a target letter should speak with a Boston, MA federal sex crimes lawyer at once to safeguard their reputation and their long-term future.
Combs Waterkotte‘s Boston, MA federal sex crime defense attorneys bring more than 60 years of combined experience protecting the accused, including in complex federal sex crime matters. No matter if the situation involves a misstep or an accusation that isn’t true, you deserve strong and committed constitutional defense. We never judge our clients, no matter the charge, and every consultation remains fully confidential.
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Speak with our Boston, MA federal crime defense lawyers at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to begin your defense strategy today.
On this page:
- What makes a sex crime a federal offense and when federal jurisdiction applies
- The most common types of federal sex crime charges and how they are prosecuted
- The sentencing exposure and lifelong effects tied to a federal sex crime conviction
- The kinds of evidence federal agents use in these cases and how that evidence can be challenged
- Critical defense approaches in federal sex crime matters, including search challenges, statement issues, and entrapment claims
- Combs Waterkotte’s approach to federal sex crime defense and why selecting the right attorney is essential
What Is a Federal Sex Crime?
Sex crimes usually refer to non-consensual conduct or acts that are legally prohibited even when consent exists, such as prostitution, sex trafficking, or public indecency. In most situations, sex crime allegations are handled by state courts.
Federal sex crimes often mirror state offenses, but federal prosecutors and federal agencies take the lead, creating a far more serious situation.
Federal sex crimes stand apart from other offenses due to the severe risks and heavy consequences. People convicted of these offenses often face:
- Extremely long federal prison sentences
- Mandatory minimum prison terms in certain child exploitation and trafficking cases
- Years of supervised release following incarceration
- Sex offender registration obligations
- Rules restricting where a person may work or live
- Long-term harm to careers, relationships, and social standing
When Does a Sex Crime Become Federal?
Ordinarily, sex-related charges are prosecuted at the state level. Federal jurisdiction takes over when the offense involves federal land, crosses state lines, or makes use of nationwide systems like the internet or postal services.
Federal prosecutors in Boston, MAvvvvv often take over sex crime cases when one of the following applies:
- Crossing state lines for sexual activity or illegal conduct related to sex
- Using the internet, social media, or apps as part of committing or attempting a sex offense
- Using the mail or other interstate services to send illegal material or communicate with victims
- Offenses on federal property, like federal buildings, correctional facilities, parks, or military bases
- Crimes that involve federal interests, involving actions connected to federal employees or federally administered programs
Who Investigates Federal Sex Crimes?
Federal sex crime investigations usually involve federal investigative bodies with significant expertise. These can include:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- United States Postal Inspection Service
- Military law enforcement and other federal investigative agencies
If you are contacted by one of these agencies about a sex offense, the situation is more serious than it may appear. Do not engage with questioning, make comments, or authorize searches without first consulting an experienced Boston, MA federal sex crime defense attorney.
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Types of Federal Sex Crimes We Defend in Boston, MA
Federal sex crimes appear in many sections of Title 18 of the U.S. Code. Our Boston, MA federal sex crime lawyers routinely handle all of them, with the following being the most common:
Sexual Abuse and Aggravated Sexual Abuse
Under federal law, sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse include cases involving force, threats, or victims who cannot legally consent
- Acts of sexual violence or threats of harm
- Conduct involving victims who are incapacitated or unable to give consent
- Sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults in certain federal settings
Child Sexual Exploitation and Child Pornography
Federal child exploitation statutes are aggressively enforced nationwide. Common charges in this area include:
- Sexual exploitation of children, commonly referred to as producing child pornography
- Distribution and receipt of child pornography, whether through online sharing or electronic transmission
- Possession of child pornography, whether stored on digital devices or cloud accounts
- Exploiting a minor to generate explicit images or real-time video
Producing child pornography typically results in mandatory minimum penalties. Even possession alone can lead to long prison terms, lifetime supervised release, and sex offender registration.
Online Enticement and Internet-Based Offenses
Child pornography is not the only internet sex crime under Federal law. Common charges include:
- Coercion and enticement of a minor via digital platforms including messaging apps and online chat
- Traveling with intent to engage in illegal conduct with someone believed to be a minor
- Sending sexually explicit material to someone believed to be a minor
- Attempt offenses involving undercover operations or “sting” cases
Often, these cases involve undercover agents pretending to be minors online. Charges may still be filed even if no real minor exists, based solely on the belief of communicating with a minor.
Sex Trafficking of Adults and Minors
Federal law on sex trafficking is sweeping and carries exceptionally severe consequences. Sex trafficking often consists of:
- Coercing a person through threats or force to perform sexual acts in return for something of value
- Transporting or harboring someone for the purpose of sexual exploitation
- Conduct involving a minor in which something of value is traded, even without threats
Being charged with federal sex trafficking in Boston, MA can result in decades-long sentences and lifetime registration.
Kidnapping and Transport for Sexual Purposes
Some federal sex crime cases involve moving a person across state lines or holding them against their will. Typical examples include:
- Kidnapping associated with sexual criminal conduct
- Moving a person across state boundaries for unlawful sexual conduct
- Using threats, fraud, or force to move victims for exploitation
How Is a Federal Sex Crime Different from a State Sex Crime in Boston, MA?
Federal sex crimes are different from state sex crimes in Boston, MA because they are handled in a different court system, involve different rules, and often carry much harsher penalties.
The most significant differences include:
- Federal sex cases are heard in federal district courts in front of federal judges and prosecutors
- Federal rules of evidence and procedure are more complex than in local Boston, MA courts.
- Federal courts and investigators have a much higher budget than most state courts and law enforcement, along with specialized technology, digital forensics labs, multi-team task forces, multi-state investigations, and undercover agents
- The United States Sentencing Guidelines often have harsher sentences and higher mandatory minimums, and sentences can be increased substantially based on the age of the victim, use of force, number of victims/images, and other aggravating factors.
Penalties and Consequences in Federal Sex Crime Cases in Boston, MA
Sentences for federal sex crimes frequently span many years or decades, and the effects usually last well beyond incarceration.
Prison Sentences and Supervised Release
Most federal sex crime charges come with:
- Very high statutory maximum sentences
- Mandatory minimum sentences that limit a judge’s flexibility
- Extended supervised release periods, sometimes lifelong
Conditions of supervised release typically involve limits on travel, internet restrictions, mandatory treatment, and intensive oversight by probation.
Sex Offender Registration and Restrictions
Federal sex crime convictions almost always lead to mandatory sex offender registration. Registration can lead to:
- Your information appearing in publicly accessible databases
- Housing and employment limitations imposed by registry rules
- Routine reporting requirements to maintain registry compliance
- Difficulty in finding work and housing because of background checks
Collateral Consequences
Collateral fallout from a federal sex crime conviction often continues long after sentencing:
- Immediate or eventual job loss
- Inability to maintain or renew professional licensing
- Family disruption, including parenting and custody challenges
- Serious immigration issues, including possible removal from the U.S.
- Long-lasting social rejection and reputational harm
What Evidence Is Used in Federal Sex Crime Investigations in Boston, MA?
Most federal sex crime prosecutions depend on digital data, witness statements, and various forms of forensic evidence. A strong defense requires knowing how this evidence was gathered and how prosecutors intend to use it.
Common Types of Evidence
- Digital evidence such as phone data, computer hard drives, cloud accounts, chat logs, emails, and social media messages
- Image and video files, including underlying metadata and prior file versions
- Forensic evidence such as DNA profiles, latent prints, or medical forensic reports
- Statements from alleged victims and witnesses, such as interviews, written statements, or recorded conversations
- Undercover communications from undercover investigations, such as recorded chat logs or calls
How the Government Collects Evidence
Government agents typically gather evidence using:
- Search warrants covering homes, cars, electronic devices, and cloud accounts
- Issuing subpoenas to ISPs, social media companies, financial institutions, and others
- Undercover profiles in chat rooms, apps, and websites
- Wiretaps, recorded calls, or monitored communications
How a Federal Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Boston, MA Challenges the Evidence
A strong defense in a federal sex crime case often focuses on how the evidence was obtained and how reliable it is. An experienced federal sex crime defense lawyer in Boston, MA may:
- Argue that the government violated constitutional search-and-seizure rules
- Question whether the search warrant was supported by probable cause or properly limited
- Dispute whether the defendant was the actual user of a device or online profile
- Scrutinize the government’s forensic analysis and conclusions
- Expose contradictions or biases in witness accounts
Defense Strategies in Boston, MA Federal Sex Crime Cases
The best possible defense in your case will be based on your specific situation and charges. A skilled Boston, MA federal sex crimes defense attorney will look at the evidence, the investigation, and your life story to work towards the best possible outcome in your case.
- Challenging searches and seizures
- Warrants issued without proper probable cause
- Searches that went beyond what was authorized
- Consent or “walk-through” searches that were not truly voluntary
- Challenging statements
- Statements taken without proper warnings
- Statements given due to intimidation or coercion
- Challenging digital and forensic evidence
- Whether prosecutors can prove who controlled the device or account
- Whether digital evidence was preserved and processed properly
- Bringing in independent forensic experts to review the government’s conclusions
- Disputing intent, consent, and knowledge
- Messages or conduct that do not show criminal intent
- Instances where consent or age can be part of a valid defense
- Whether you had knowledge of essential facts or circumstances
- Entrapment and government overreach
- Agents pushing conduct the accused would not have initiated
- Undercover behavior that crosses legal or ethical lines
- Negotiating reduced charges or sentences
- Reducing the number or severity of charges
- Improving the sentencing guideline range
- Reducing the severity of long-term supervision through mitigation
It is completely understandable to feel intimidated when the U.S. government is on the other side, the Boston, MA federal sex crime defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte know how to fight back. We put ourselves between you and the government, working toward the most favorable outcome, including taking your case to trial if necessary.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte for Your Federal Sex Crime Defense in Boston, MA?
These cases require lawyers who are fearless, battle-tested, and deeply experienced in federal court. We have become known as the firm that will take on the cases other attorneys will not. When your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line, you need a firm that won’t back down, regardless of the stakes.
Our firm provides:
- Decades of combined federal criminal defense experience: Our lawyers routinely handle high-stakes federal sex crime cases with digital evidence, multi-agency involvement, mandatory minimum sentencing, and emotionally charged accusations.
- A team that knows how the government thinks: Our team includes two former prosecutors with experience on the other side of the aisle in violent and high-stakes sex crime cases, including crimes against children. We are familiar with the strategies and tactics the government uses in building federal sex crime prosecutions. One of our attorneys earned a rare spot as one of 25 prosecutors in the nation invited to the The Secret Service National Computer Forensic Institute.
- Access to top experts and investigative resources: We draw on a network of digital forensic specialists, medical and psychological experts, and veteran investigators to push back against the government’s version of events.
- Clear, honest, client-centered communication: You will always know where your case stands and what to expect moving forward. There are no hourly fees, and you’ll have your attorney’s personal cell so you can call around the clock with case questions at no additional cost.
- Relentless advocacy inside and outside the courtroom: Our team pursues dismissals, reduced charges, or a full trial if needed, always focused on the strongest outcome for you.
- Complete discretion and confidentiality: We protect your confidentiality and handle your situation with the sensitivity and respect it requires.
When the rest of your life is at stake, choosing the right Boston, MA defense team matters. To the government, you may be treated as nothing more than a number. At other law firms, you might feel like just a stack of paperwork. At Combs Waterkotte, you are why we do what we do.
When the rest of your life is at stake, choosing the right Boston, MA defense team matters. To the government, you’re just a case number. To other criminal defense firms, you’re just a desk file. At Combs Waterkotte, you are the reason we exist.
Call a Federal Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Boston, MA to Start Building Your Defense Today
If you’re being investigated or have already been charged in federal court with a sex offense, you should not face it without help. Time moves quickly in federal cases, and every choice you make can influence your defense.
Speak with a federal sex crimes defense attorney in Boston, MA immediately for confidential direction on your rights and possible defenses. Early legal involvement can dramatically affect how your defense is built, how evidence is attacked, and how your future is safeguarded. Reach us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
