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 Georgia, sexual assault is defined under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 16-6-1, which describes the crime of rape. It is considered rape when a person has carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will, or a male under certain circumstances. Carnal knowledge is technically defined as penetration of the female sex organ by the male sex organ. Georgia law also addresses sodomy under O.C.G.A. § 16-6-2, which includes forced oral or anal sex. Aggravated sexual assault in Georgia involves circumstances that increase the gravity of the offense, such as the use of a deadly weapon, serious physical injury to the victim, or if the victim is under a certain age, which is typically under 16 years old. The state imposes severe penalties for these crimes, including lengthy prison sentences, and in cases involving a minor, mandatory minimum sentences may apply. Aggravated sexual assault is considered a more serious crime and is prosecuted vigorously in Georgia.