There are various types of sexual assault of which a person may be convicted, and first degree sexual assault is the most serious of these crimes. A person commits sexual assault by having sexual intercourse with another party without the victim’s consent or while threatening the victim with a weapon. Assisting or encouraging a first degree sexual assault may also lead to these charges. In some places, all types of sexual assault against a minor are considered first degree; in others, this designation is reserved for cases in which a child requires surgery for injuries sustained in a sexual assault. Both men and women can be charged with this crime.

In many jurisdictions, first degree sexual assault is a crime in which a party has sexual intercourse or contact with a victim without his consent and causes the assault victim serious physical harm as a result. A person may also be guilty of sexual assault if he has intercourse with his victim and impregnates her. In some places, a person is also guilty of this crime if he threatens his sexual assault victim with a weapon or another item the victim believes can inflict serious harm. Additionally, some jurisdictions consider all types of sexual assault against a minor first degree sexual assault.

The definition of serious physical harm caused by first degree sexual assault may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Often, however, it means permanent disfigurement or impairment of any part of the body. Additionally, harm is considered serious if it puts the victim's life at risk. Likewise, if the harm affects a child and requires surgical repair, it fits the definition of serious harm required for a first degree sexual assault charge.

Sometimes a person can even be guilty of first degree sexual assault without physically touching the victim. In some jurisdictions, helping a person to commit this crime may also lead to a charge of first degree sexual assault. In fact, even encouraging the crime can lead to this charge in some places.

The penalty for first degree sexual assault varies from place to place. In most cases, however, this crime is punishable with many years in prison. A person may receive a stiffer sentence if he is a repeat offender or committed other crimes in conjunction with the sexual assault. For example, if a person kidnaps the person he sexually assaults, this may lead to a longer sentence.