Cayla Hopkins Drinnen

Aggravated rape is forcing someone into sexual penetration while armed with a weapon, or causing bodily injury, or with help from other people using force—the most serious rape offense. This is charged when rape occurs with additional dangerous circumstances such as weapons, injuries to the victim, or multiple attackers. Conviction carries 15 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $50,000.

Penalty: Class A felony; 15-60 years; fine up to $50,000

Committing child abuse, child neglect, or child endangerment in an aggravated manner (such as using a firearm or weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or causing substantial risk of death) is a Class B felony punishable by 8-30 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 in fines. If the conduct involves extreme cruelty or results in death, it can be elevated to a Class A felony.

Penalty: Class B felony; 8-30 years; fine up to $25,000

Trafficking for commercial sex act is forcing, defrauding, or coercing someone into sexual acts for money or anything of value, or doing this to anyone under 18 without consent. This offense includes recruiting, transporting, or obtaining anyone for prostitution through force, deception, or by targeting minors. Conviction carries 8 to 30 years in prison and fines up to $25,000, with enhanced Class A felony penalties if the victim is a minor or other serious aggravating factors apply.

Penalty: Class B felony; 8-30 years; fine up to $25,000

This offense makes it illegal for an adult (age 18 or older) to ask, request, or try to persuade a minor (under 18) through phone, text, email, or internet to engage in sexual acts like rape or sexual battery. A first conviction is punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and $2,500 in fines (Class A misdemeanor). If the victim is under 13, or if there are prior convictions, the charge increases to a Class E felony with 1-6 years in prison.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500

This offense makes it illegal for an adult (age 18 or older) to ask, request, or try to persuade a minor (under 18) through phone, text, email, or internet to engage in sexual acts like rape or sexual battery. A first conviction is punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and $2,500 in fines (Class A misdemeanor). If the victim is under 13, or if there are prior convictions, the charge increases to a Class E felony with 1-6 years in prison.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500