The criminal offense of sexual assault generally involves forced sexual intercourse, sodomy, or other sexual penetration of another person—against the person’s will and without the person’s consent.

Sexual assault laws vary from state to state, and in some states the traditional criminal offense of rape is defined as the criminal offense of sexual assault. In some states the touching, groping, or pinching of the body of another person without the person’s consent and for purposes of sexual gratification is defined as sexual assault—and in other states such nonconsensual sexual contact is defined as the criminal offense of sexual battery or forcible touching, for example.

Sexual assault and related criminal offenses are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Alabama, sexual assault is primarily governed by the Alabama Criminal Code under sexual offenses. The term 'sexual assault' is not specifically used; instead, Alabama law categorizes these offenses under terms such as rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse. Rape in Alabama is defined as forced sexual intercourse with another person without their consent and can be classified as either first or second degree, depending on factors such as the use of force or the victim's age and capacity to consent. Sodomy follows similar classifications. Sexual abuse and indecent exposure also fall under the umbrella of sexual offenses in Alabama. These laws address nonconsensual sexual contact, including groping or touching for sexual gratification. The severity of the charges and the penalties upon conviction vary based on the nature of the offense, the age of the victim, and other circumstances. It is important for individuals facing such charges or victims of such offenses to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable about Alabama's specific statutes and case law to understand the implications of these laws.