Rhode Island grades sexual assault under RIGL § 11-37 by the type of conduct alleged and the circumstances surrounding it. First-degree sexual assault involves alleged sexual penetration accomplished through force, coercion, or the victim's incapacity, and it carries exposure up to life in prison. Second-degree sexual assault involves alleged sexual contact-touching-under similar aggravating circumstances, with exposure up to 15 years. Third-degree sexual assault is typically charged when the accused is over 18 and the complainant is between 14 and 16, with exposure up to 5 years. Every degree is a felony, every degree triggers registration, and every degree is prosecuted in Rhode Island Superior Court. A Rhode Island sex crimes lawyer evaluates which subsection actually fits the facts and whether the state has overcharged.