A person generally commits the criminal offense of sexual assault of a child—regardless of whether the person knows the age of the child at the time of the offense—if the person (1) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of a child by any means; (2) causes the penetration of the mouth of a child by the sexual organ of the person; (3) causes the sexual organ of the child to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of the person or another person; (4) causes the anus of a child to contact the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of the person or another person; or (5) causes the mouth of a child to contact the anus or sexual organ of the person or another person.

The naming and definition of the criminal offense of sexual assault of a child varies from state to state. These criminal offenses are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In New Hampshire, the criminal offense of sexual assault of a child is addressed under the state's sexual assault and related offenses statutes. Specifically, NH Rev Stat § 632-A (2022) defines various degrees of sexual assault, including aggravated felonious sexual assault and felonious sexual assault, which encompass the acts described in the query when they involve a person under the age of 16. New Hampshire law does not require the perpetrator to know the age of the child for the act to be considered a criminal offense. The statutes outline severe penalties for those found guilty of such offenses, which can include lengthy prison sentences and registration as a sex offender. It is important to note that the specific charges and penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, including the ages of the individuals involved and the nature of the act.