Massachusetts § 6A - Special sentence of imprisonment; eligible offenders; revocation or rescission of special sentence; subsequent crimes

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 6A — Special sentence of imprisonment; eligible offenders; revocation or rescission of special sentence; subsequent crimes, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 6A. Special sentence of imprisonment; eligible offenders; revocation or rescission of special sentence; subsequent crimes

Section 6A. When a person is sentenced on a first offense to imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for a term which does not exceed one year, the court may order the sentence to be served in whole or in part on weekends and legal holidays or such other periodic interval as the court may determine. Such a sentence shall be known as a special sentence of imprisonment. If an offender receives a special sentence of imprisonment under this section, he shall, unless otherwise provided by the sentence of the court, report to the institution to which he has been sentenced no later than 6:00 p.m. on Friday and shall be released at 7:00 a.m. on the succeeding Monday; provided, however, that if the succeeding Monday is a holiday, the offender shall not be released until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday; and provided further, that the total time served shall be equal to the sentence imposed.

On application of the offender, of the department of correction or the director of the institution to which the offender is committed, or on its own motion, the court may after a hearing rescind or modify an order under the first paragraph, and may direct that the balance of the sentence of imprisonment shall be served consecutively. Before a special sentence is rescinded or modified, the court shall cause the notification thereof to be given to the district attorney and to the offender.

If while serving such a special sentence, such person is convicted of a subsequent crime other than a nonmoving motor vehicle violation, the terms of said special sentence shall be rescinded and said person shall complete the balance of his original sentence consecutively in the jail or house of correction in which he has been serving said special sentence.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 6A

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 6A cover?

Section 6A ("Special sentence of imprisonment; eligible offenders; revocation or rescission of special sentence; subsequent crimes") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 6A?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 6A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 6A apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.