{"data":{"id":"us-ma/mass.-gen.-laws-ch.-279-6b","jurisdiction":"us-ma","citation":"Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 279, § 6B","heading":"Consideration of defendant's status as primary caregiver of dependent child before imposing sentence","body":"Section 6B. (a) As used in this section the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings:—\n''Dependent child'', a person under 18 years of age.\n''Primary caretaker of a dependent child'', a parent with whom a child has a primary residence.\n(b) Unless a sentence of incarceration is required by law, the court may, upon conviction, consider the defendant's status as a primary caretaker of a dependent child before imposing a sentence. A defendant may request such consideration, by motion supported by an affidavit, not more than 10 days after the entry of judgment. Upon receipt of such a motion supported by an affidavit, the court shall make written findings concerning the defendant's status as a primary caretaker of a dependent child and alternatives to incarceration. If such a motion has been filed, the court shall not impose a sentence of incarceration without first making such written findings.","path":["Part IV","Title II","Chapter 279"],"source_url":"https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleII/Chapter279/Section6B","current_through":"amendments passed before May 31, 2026","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-17T05:25:23Z","sha256":"1388bc491fd8ce18c894a7e312a84a985fd1bf3e1051e2b706e879b2908e2e9b","source_id":"us-ma","stale":false,"prev":"us-ma/mass.-gen.-laws-ch.-279-6a","next":"us-ma/mass.-gen.-laws-ch.-279-7"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}