Massachusetts § 8 - Solicitation, counsel, advice or enticement of crime; penalties
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 8 — Solicitation, counsel, advice or enticement of crime; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 8. Solicitation, counsel, advice or enticement of crime; penalties
Section 8. Whoever solicits, counsels, advises, or otherwise entices another to commit a crime that may be punished by imprisonment in the state prison, with the intent that the person, in fact, commit or procure the commitment of such crime shall, except as otherwise provided, be punished as follows:
First, by imprisonment for not more than 20 years in the state prison or for not more than 21/2 years in a jail or house of correction, or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment, if the intent of the solicitation, counsel, advice or enticement was for the person to commit a crime punishable by imprisonment for life.
Second, by imprisonment for not more than 10 years in the state prison or for not more than 21/2 years in a jail or house of correction, or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment, if the intent of the solicitation, counsel, advice or enticement was for the person to commit a crime punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 10 years or more.
Third, by imprisonment for not more than 5 years in the state prison or for not more than 21/2 years in a jail or house of correction, or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment, if the intent of the solicitation, counsel, advice or enticement was for the person to commit a crime punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 5 years or more.
Fourth, by imprisonment for not more 21/2 years in a jail or house of correction, or by a fine of not more than $2,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment, if the intent of the solicitation, counsel, advice or enticement was for the person to commit a crime punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for less than 5 years.
If a person is convicted of solicitation, counsel, advice or enticement for which crime the penalty is expressly set forth in any other section of the General Laws, the provisions of this section shall not apply to said crime and the penalty in the applicable section of the General Laws shall be imposed pursuant to the provisions of such other section.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 8
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 8 cover?
Section 8 ("Solicitation, counsel, advice or enticement of crime; penalties") 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 § 8?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 8" (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 § 8 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.