Governor Deval Patrick signed into Massachusetts law a Cyber / Internet Crime bill that outlaws the transmission of sexually graphic instant message to minors. The new law was written to close a loophole that led to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court reversing the conviction of a man who was criminally charged with sending explicit instant messages to a 13 year old girl.
In that case, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that instant messages could not be included in any of the state’s then-existing categories of Massachusetts’ obscenity laws because they did not constitute a visual representation of sexually explicit material, and were handwritten or printed material.
The Cyber / Internet Crime now includes and bans instant and text messages, e-mail and similar forms of electronic communications to minors containing sexually explicit material, which carries potential penalties of up to 5 years in state prison, and fines of up to $10,000.
Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis has experience in defending those accused of Cyber/Internet Crimes, and is available 24/7 for consultation.
To schedule a Free Consultation with a Cyber / Internet Crimes Lawyer, Contact Us Online or call 617-325-9500.