Sexual assault is generally forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, or other sexual penetration of another person—against the person’s will and without the person’s consent. And although precise definitions and punishments vary from state to state, the criminal offense of aggravated sexual assault generally includes aggravating circumstances that increase the severity of the sexual assault—such as when the assailant or perpetrator uses, displays, or threatens the victim with a deadly weapon (a gun or knife); when the assailant uses a rape drug to incapacitate the victim; or when the victim is a child under a certain age, as defined by the statute.

In New Hampshire, sexual assault encompasses a range of non-consensual sexual acts, including forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, or other sexual penetration. The state's laws define different degrees of sexual assault, with aggravated sexual assault being a more severe form of the crime. Aggravated sexual assault in New Hampshire typically involves additional factors that increase the gravity of the offense, such as the use or threat of a deadly weapon, the administration of a drug to incapacitate the victim, or the victim being below a certain age, which is often considered statutory rape. The specific statutes detailing sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault in New Hampshire can be found in the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) under sections 632-A:2 (Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault) and 632-A:4 (Felonious Sexual Assault), among others. These laws outline the elements of each offense, affirmative defenses, and the associated penalties, which can be severe and include lengthy prison sentences. It is important for individuals facing such charges or those who are victims of such crimes to consult with an attorney to understand the full scope of the law and their rights within the legal system.