Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What factor contributes to aggravated criminal sexual assault other than the use of a deadly weapon?

1. The victim must file a report

2. The offender must confess

3. The offender must have a criminal record

4. Causing bodily harm

The correct answer is: Causing bodily harm

Causing bodily harm is a significant factor that contributes to aggravated criminal sexual assault. This charge is often elevated due to the infliction of physical injury on the victim, resulting in more severe legal consequences compared to simpler forms of sexual assault. Bodily harm can encompass a range of injuries, from minor to severe, and the presence of such harm illustrates the violent nature of the offense, emphasizing the threat to the victim's safety and well-being. The other factors listed, such as the requirement for the victim to file a report, an offender's confession, or having a criminal record, do not inherently elevate the severity of the crime to aggravated criminal sexual assault. While these aspects may play roles in the prosecution's case or the legal process, they do not directly relate to the definition or categorization of aggravated criminal sexual assault as dictated by law. The presence of bodily harm directly relates to the statute's definition of aggravated offenses, establishing the gravity of the crime in question.