Opinion ID: 2286243
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: lesser-included offense analysis

Text: Turning to this case, we quickly note that the prosecution's evidence was not predicated on violent assaultive behavior nor upon a theory of intent to frighten. Thus, we consider only the question whether a non-violent sexual touching simple assault may be a lesser-included offense of misdemeanor sexual abuse. Again, applying the analysis set forth in Lee, supra, we determine if the greater offense requires all of the elements found in a lesser offense, and in addition, requires proof of at least one more element. See Lee, supra, 668 A.2d at 825-26. If so, the latter violation may be a lesser-included offense of the former. As discussed above, misdemeanor sexual abuse requires a sexual act or sexual contact. See D.C.Code § 22-4106. Significantly, under the facts presented here, it must therefore be shown that the accused specifically intended to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. See D.C.Code § 22-4101(8)-(9). Non-violent sexual touching assault, on the other hand, is committed by the voluntary touching of another in a sexually sensitive or private area without consent. See In re A.B., supra, 556 A.2d at 646-47. Sexual touching need only consist of a touching that could offend a person of reasonable sensibility. A comparison of the two offenses reveals that while the proscribed act  the actus reus  of non-violent sexual touching assault can be less intimate than the behavior forbidden in the sexual abuse offense, the fundamental difference between the crimes concerns their respective mens rea requirements. Misdemeanor sexual abuse requires an intent to do the acts; in addition, in this case, it requires an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person. See D.C.Code § 22-4101(8)-(9). Simple assault requires only an intent to do the proscribed act. It follows, therefore, that misdemeanor sexual abuse includes all of the elements of non-violent sexual touching assault, plus at least one additional element of intent not found in the latter. Accordingly, we conclude that non-violent sexual touching assault is a lesser-included offense of misdemeanor sexual abuse.