Permitting Immoral Conduct

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 Section 26 prohibits a licensed lodging house keeper, innholder, manager or controller from knowingly permitting the property under his or her control to be used for immoral solicitation, bargaining or conduct. Under the statute, evidence that the person in charge allowed a room with a bed or couch to be occupied by the same woman or the same man, on different occasions in a 30-day period, with different persons of the opposite sex is prima facie evidence of permitting immoral conduct. This crime is punishable by a fine of at least $500 and up to $1000 or at least 6 months and up to 1 year in jail, or both.

“Immoral conduct” that usually takes place in hotels, motels or inns most typically involves prostitution and pimping, drug use, and underage drinking parties. Sometimes such establishments and their premises are used for drug distribution and other criminal activities as well. The language of this statute indicates that perhaps the legislature was most concerned with permitting prostitution to take place in hotels. It is not unheard of for prostitutes to solicit customers in hotels in collaboration with desk clerks, who share in their earnings and refer customers. This law is rarely used in Massachusetts as most of the conduct the law targets is made criminal separately by other statutes. When this crime is charged a good lawyer should be able to get the case dismissed or resolved where you will not have a criminal record.

If you have been charged with permitting immoral conduct in Massachusetts, call a criminal defense lawyer. In many cases, an intelligent criminal attorney will likely argue that a defendant did not have knowledge of the kinds of activities that were taking place in their establishment. It can be especially difficult if the person charged is not one who was frequently in or around the hotel or motel. In any case, an experienced defense lawyer will be invaluable to you in fighting your charge.

If you have been charged with permitting immoral conduct, call the Law Offices of Stephen Neyman, P.C. today. Stephen Neyman is a prominent Boston attorney with more than 20 years of experience. You can reach Attorney Neyman by calling 617-263-6800 or by sending him an e-mail. As he prides himself on his availability to clients, Stephen Neyman’s office encourages calls and e-mails 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so there is no need to wait. Attorney Neyman has remarkable expertise in all areas of criminal defense. In addition to permitting immoral conduct, Stephen Neyman also handles cases that may be somewhat related to or underlying that, such as:

• Deriving support from the earnings of a prostitute (pimping)
• Sex for a fee (prostitution)
• Inducing a minor into prostitution
• Enticing away a person for prostitution or sexual intercourse
• Soliciting
• Drug possession
• Drug distribution and possession with intent to distribute
• Minors in possession of alcohol

If you have been accused of any of the above, or if you have a question about any other criminal matter, don’t hesitate to ask. You should not let a criminal charge stand in your way. Allow Stephen Neyman to help you.