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 Washington State, the criminal offense of sexual assault of a child is addressed under various statutes related to sexual offenses involving minors. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) particularly outlines these offenses in Chapter 9A.44, which covers sex offenses. The acts described, such as causing penetration or contact of a sexual nature with a child, are generally categorized under crimes like Rape of a Child in the first, second, or third degree, depending on the circumstances, including the age of the child and the nature of the act. Washington law does not require the perpetrator to know the age of the child for the act to be considered a criminal offense. The state imposes severe penalties for these crimes, which can include lengthy prison sentences and registration as a sex offender. It is important for individuals facing such charges to seek the guidance of an attorney who is experienced in criminal defense and knowledgeable about the specific laws and legal precedents in Washington State.