"Get a clear understanding of criminal sentencing guidelines in Massachusetts. The court may file a case after a guilty verdict or finding without imposing a sentence if the defendant and the Commonwealth both consent.If you are convicted of a Massachusetts criminal offense and receive a suspended sentence, then the judge is ordering that you serve a specific sentence. Types of Massachusetts Criminal charges, penalties, sentencing, and probation requirements. Facing criminal charges? The power and authority to arrest and to deprive a person of liberty and freedom is one of the most sensitive duties of a police officer. A general rule of thumb is that the more serious the crime, the greater likelihood that a person will receive jail time as part of a sentence. Attorney Lee Gartenberg has been preparing a document that defines many key terms in Massachusetts criminal sentencing law. Kochs would seem to show that a complete arrest of vital activity is compatible with viability. Individual crimes are mentioned in the general laws and maximum penalties for each crime are spelt out in the statutes.