[BTFLCHLD]

Aggravated sexual assault means a sexual assault that is accompanied by factors or circumstances that enhance the seriousness of the crime. When these factors are proven to exist beyond a reasonable doubt, the perpetrator will receive a greater sentence.

The factors vary from state to state, but there are many of them, including:

• You were armed with or discharged a firearm during the assault or possessed, displayed or threatened to use some other kind of deadly weapon
• You threatened or endangered the life of the victim
• The victim was physically handicapped, severely mentally retarded or over the age of 60
• You gave the victim drugs without his or her consent
• You committed the sexual assault during the commission or attempted commission of another felony
• You are under 17 and the victim is under 9 years of age or between 9 and 13 and you used force.

Depending on which of the above factors apply, the court may add 10, 15, 20 or 25 years to the punishment it would have imposed for a non-aggravated sexual assault. If you are convicted of aggravated sexual assault and have previously been convicted of a sexual assault, the court can impose a life sentence.