Incest is marriage or sexual relations between close relatives. The criminal offense of incest may also be known as prohibited sexual conduct. Laws vary from state to state, but incest laws generally prohibit marriage or sexual relations between (1) a person’s ancestor or descendant by blood or adoption; (2) a person’s current or former stepchild or stepparent; (3) a person’s parent’s brother or sister of the whole or half blood; (4) a person’s brother or sister of the whole or half blood or by adoption; (5) the children of a person’s brother or sister of the whole or half blood, or by adoption; or (6) the son or daughter of a person’s aunt or uncle of the whole or half blood or by adoption.

Lack of consent to sexual relations between such relatives is not an element of the crime, and persons may be guilty of the crime even if both parties consented.

Laws regarding incest or prohibited sexual contact vary from state to state and are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code. The crime is a felony offense in many states, with potential punishment of significant jail or prison time.

In Nevada, incest is defined as marriage or sexual relations between close relatives and is considered a criminal offense. Under Nevada law, specifically NRS 201.180, it is illegal for any person to engage in sexual intercourse or marry an ancestor or descendant, which includes parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren, whether the relationship is by whole or half blood, adoption, or step-relation. This also extends to siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. The law does not require a lack of consent as an element of the crime; incest can be prosecuted even if both parties consent to the sexual relationship. Incest is classified as a category A felony in Nevada, which is the most serious type of felony, and can result in severe penalties including life imprisonment with the possibility of parole only after a minimum of 10 years has been served. It is important for individuals in Nevada to understand these regulations to avoid legal repercussions. If someone is facing charges related to incest, they should seek the counsel of an experienced attorney to navigate the complexities of the legal system.