Aggravating factors are generally those circumstances that elevate the basic sex crime involved so that it becomes a more serious offense that is punishable by longer jail sentences and harsher penalties in general.  Examples of aggravating factors in a sex crimes case include situations where the alleged victim was younger than the relevant age of consent or circumstances where you were in some sort of position of power over the alleged victim (such as teacher-student relationships or familial relationships).  Possession of a weapon during commission of the sex crime alleged is also an important aggravating factor that can lead to harsher penalties.