Sexual Assault

• First, Second, Third, and Fourth degree sexual abuse
• Child Sexual Abuse
• Sexual Abuse of a Ward, Patient, or Prisoner
• Misdemeanor Sexual Abuse

In Washington, DC, sexual abuse is categorized into degrees based on the severity and circumstances of the offense.

• Type of Sexual Act: First-degree sexual abuse involves a sexual act, which is more severe than sexual contact involved in second, third, and fourth-degree offenses.
• Presence of Force or Intimidation: First-degree sexual abuse and second-degree sexual abuse involve force, threats, or intimidation, whereas third-degree and fourth-degree may involve force but not necessarily threats or intimidation.
• Incapacitation: First-degree sexual abuse specifically includes cases where the victim is unable to consent due to incapacitation from drugs or alcohol administered without their knowledge or consent. Third-degree sexual abuse also covers cases of incapacity due to unconsciousness or impairment, even if caused by voluntary intoxication.
• Penalties: Penalties increase with the severity of the offense, with first-degree carrying the most severe punishment of up to life imprisonment, followed by second, third, and fourth-degree offenses with decreasing maximum sentences.

Sexual abuse of a minor includes a range of unlawful sexual acts or conduct committed against individuals under the age of consent. This can involve:

• Sexual Acts: Engaging in sexual intercourse or other sexual acts with a minor who is incapable of legally consenting due to their age.
• Sexual Contact: Inappropriate touching, fondling, or other sexual contact with a minor.

Like adult sexual abuse, there are different degrees of sexual abuse of a minor, which depend on the specific acts and age of the minor.

Sexual abuse of a ward, patient, or prisoner in Washington, DC, refers to criminal offenses involving sexual acts or conduct with individuals who are under the care, custody, or authority of the perpetrator. These offenses exploit the vulnerability of individuals who are in positions of dependency or trust, such as wards of the state, patients under medical care, or prisoners under custody.

Misdemeanor sexual abuse in Washington DC involves engaging in sexual contact with another person without their permission.

Sexual contact includes any touching of the victim’s genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

• Non-consensual Contact: The contact must occur without the consent of the victim.
• Intent: There must be intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or sexually arouse or gratify either party.

While the penalties for misdemeanor sexual abuse are less severe than for felony sex assaults, the maximum penalty is up to 180 days in jail and/or a $1000 fine.