There are a number of sex-related offenses that constitute rape. There are also three degrees to the offense with first degree being the most serious and third degree being the least serious. First-degree sexual conduct involves rape, which is the sexual penetration, of someone with any of the following circumstances in place:

• The victim is under the age of 13, but the defendant is more than 3 years older than the victim
• The victim is between the ages of 13 and 15 and the defendant is 4 years or more older than the victim and uses authority over the victim to make them submit
• The victim is under the age of 16 and has a significant relationship with the defendant in which that relationship is used to force threats and make the victim feel danger, usually many instances occur over time
• The victim is in reasonable fear of sustaining serious injuries
• The victim is injured through the use of force
• A weapon is used in the commission of the crime
• Others help the defendant commit the crime
• The defendant injures the victim with knowledge that the victim was mentally impaired or disabled or disabled physically

Many of the aspects of third-degree criminal sexual conduct are similar to that of first degree, but a defendant 2 years older than a victim 13-15 years old may be convicted. The victim can also be as old as 17 and have a significant relationship with the defendant or the defendant may be in a position of authority.