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 Nevada, sexual assault is defined under NRS 200.366 as the act of subjecting another person to sexual penetration, or forcing another person to make a sexual penetration on himself or herself or on another, against the will of the victim or under conditions in which the perpetrator knows or should know that the victim is mentally or physically incapable of resisting or understanding the nature of the conduct. Aggravated sexual assault in Nevada includes circumstances that increase the gravity of the offense, such as the use of a deadly weapon, causing substantial bodily harm, or the victim being under the age of 16. Nevada law imposes severe penalties for sexual assault, which can include life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after a minimum of 10 years served, and life without the possibility of parole when certain aggravating factors are present. The exact punishment can vary depending on factors such as the age of the victim, the use of force or threat of force, and the perpetrator's criminal history.