Continued Sexual Abuse of a young child/children is classified as which offense level?

• A. Class A Misdemeanor
• B. State Jail Felony
• C. Class B Misdemeanor
• D. First Degree Felony

Answer: (D)

Ongoing sexual abuse of a child is treated as a first-degree felony because the law places repeated, predatory sexual conduct against a very young and vulnerable victim in the highest category of standard felonies. This offense is defined as continuous sexual abuse when a person commits two or more acts of sexual abuse against a child under 14 over a period of 30 days or more, with at least one day between acts. The repeated nature and the age of the victim justify the top-tier felony designation, carrying a punishment range typically from five years to life in prison (plus possible fines). This is far more severe than misdemeanors or state jail felonies, which are used for less serious offenses.