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 Maine, sexual assault is legally referred to as 'Gross Sexual Assault' under the Maine Criminal Code. It is defined as a sexual act committed against someone's will or without their consent, including forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, or other sexual penetration. Aggravated sexual assault in Maine includes circumstances that increase the gravity of the offense, such as the use of a deadly weapon, the administration of intoxicants to incapacitate the victim, or if the victim is below a certain age, typically under 14 years old. The specific statutes detailing these offenses are found in Title 17-A, Chapter 11 of the Maine Revised Statutes. The penalties for these crimes are severe and can include lengthy prison sentences, with aggravated sexual assault often resulting in higher sentences due to the presence of aggravating factors.