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 of a child includes the aggravating circumstance of the victim being a child under a certain age, as defined by the statute—which increases the severity of the crime.
In Wyoming, sexual assault is defined under the state's criminal statutes and includes any act of forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, or other sexual penetration without the consent of the other person and against their will. The laws regarding sexual assault are detailed in Wyoming Statutes Title 6, Crimes and Offenses, specifically in Chapter 2, Offenses Against the Person. Aggravated sexual assault of a child is considered a more severe crime and involves a victim who is below a certain age, which significantly increases the gravity of the offense. The exact age that defines a child in these cases and the specific punishments for such an aggravated offense are outlined in the statutes. Aggravated sexual assault of a child is treated with particular severity due to the vulnerability of children and the long-term harm such crimes can inflict. Penalties for sexual assault crimes in Wyoming are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.