Which offense is a misdemeanor (Class A) if the offender is 19 or older and the victim is between 12 and 16, and sexual contact is forced?

• A. Sexual Misconduct
• B. Indecent Exposure
• C. Sexual Abuse (2nd Degree)
• D. Sexual Abuse (1st Degree)

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how the act and the ages map to severity. When an adult (19 or older) engages in sexual contact with a minor who is between 12 and 16, and that contact is forced, the statute typically labels this as sexual abuse in the second degree. That distinction matters because second-degree sexual abuse covers forced non-penetrative sexual contact with a minor, and it’s designated as a Class A misdemeanor in many jurisdictions.

First-degree sexual abuse generally covers more serious conduct, such as penetration, or circumstances that elevate the offense to a felony. Indecent exposure involves exposing oneself and does not involve sexual contact with the minor. Sexual misconduct can refer to other sexual offenses that don’t fit the specific element of forced sexual contact with a minor, so it wouldn’t align with the given facts.

So, with an adult offender, a minor victim aged 12–16, and forced sexual contact, the appropriate charge is sexual abuse in the second degree.