Petition to Review and Strengthen Sentencing for Aggravated Sexual Offenses Against Young Children
We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the New Hampshire General Court review the sentencing provisions that apply to the most serious sexual offenses committed against infants and young children.
We ask lawmakers to consider legislation that would:
Establish substantially higher minimum prison sentences for aggravated sexual offenses involving infants and very young children.
Allow or require life imprisonment, including life without parole in narrowly defined cases involving exceptionally aggravated conduct, repeated offenses, multiple victims, or severe physical injury.
Ensure that sentencing laws appropriately distinguish the most serious offenses against children from less severe criminal conduct.
Preserve due-process protections and require conviction beyond a reasonable doubt before any enhanced penalty applies.
Review whether current victim-support services are accessible and adequate for child victims and their families.
The purpose of this petition is to request legislative review of whether New Hampshire’s existing sentencing framework adequately addresses the seriousness and long-term harm associated with aggravated sexual offenses against very young children.
We respectfully ask members of the New Hampshire House and Senate, particularly the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee, to consider this issue and determine whether amendments to RSA 632-A and related sentencing statutes are warranted.
Requested action: Introduce and publicly consider legislation addressing enhanced sentencing for the most aggravated sexual offenses committed against infants and young children.