Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

High-profile Quincy developer William S. O'Connell recently pleaded not guilty to charges that he raped a child, paid for sex and trafficked cocaine, according to The Patriot Ledger.

Such charges require a dedicated and experienced Stoughton criminal defense attorney who has experience fighting sex crimes and drug crimes.

In sex cases, in particular, authorities often rely on the word of an alleged victim if DNA and other evidence isn't found, making it important for suspects not to try to talk their way out of an arrest. Before you speak to police, call a Massachusetts attorney. A well-trained attorney can work to suppress harmful evidence that may be used against you at trial.

In O'Connell's case, he is charged with having sex with a child between the age of 14 and 16. In a raid of his Marina Bay condominium, authorities say they seized 19 grams of cocaine. Authorities alleged O'Connell had several involvements with the child, beginning in the spring and summer of 2009 until March 2011.

He is due back in Quincy District Court on July 14 for a probable cause hearing. But the newspaper reports O'Connell may be indicted prior to the hearing, which would move the case to Superior Court in Dedham.

If convicted, O'Connell, 71, faces a 10-year minimum prison sentence on the rape charge and at least three years in prison if convicted of the trafficking charge, according to the newspaper. He was released on $150,000 bond.

Further, O'Connell was required to surrender his passport, stay in the state and have no contact with the alleged victim. He also can't have contact with any child younger than 16 and must submit to random drug testing.