{"id":372214,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:47","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/criminal-laws\/sexual-assault.html"},"modified":"2025-12-10T13:57:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T18:57:17","slug":"sexual-assault","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/sexual-assault.html","title":{"rendered":"State Sexual Assault Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n \n State Sexual Assault Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Sexual assault<\/span> is one of the most serious crimes a person can be charged with. Regardless of where you live, state laws<\/span> issue harsh punishments to people found guilty of sexual assault<\/span><\/a>. Most states treat sexual assault<\/span> as a felony; however, some jurisdictions classify some cases of sexual assault<\/span> as misdemeanors<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This article examines the crime of sexual assault<\/span> along with other related sexual offenses<\/span>. It also provides links to state-specific sexual assault<\/span> laws<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re currently facing sexual assault<\/span> charges, consider contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney<\/a>. Given the seriousness of the offenses, having a legal expert on your side is essential.<\/p>\n

What Is Sexual Assault<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

The specific legal definition of sexual assault<\/span> varies by jurisdiction. Some states still maintain separate criminal statutes for rape and sexual assault<\/span>, while others have consolidated various sex crimes<\/span> under the umbrella term \u201csexual assault<\/span>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sexual assault<\/span> occurs when someone intentionally touches another person in a sexual manner without their consent. The state may also charge someone with sexual assault<\/span><\/a> if they coerce another person to engage in sexual conduct<\/span> or do so in a forcible<\/span> manner.<\/p>\n

Many states have moved away from using the term rape<\/a> and instead use sexual assault<\/span> to cover many types of unlawful<\/span> sexual contact<\/span>. Most jurisdictions categorize sexual battery<\/span><\/a> and forced sexual intercourse<\/span> as sexual assault<\/span>.<\/p>\n

A person may be guilty of sexual assault<\/span> if they engage in any of the following behaviors:<\/p>\n