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 Wisconsin, incest is a criminal offense under state law. The statutes specifically prohibit marriage or sexual relations between close relatives, including those by blood, marriage, or adoption. The relationships covered by the incest laws in Wisconsin typically include those between an ancestor and descendant, siblings of the whole or half blood, and relatives of similar degrees of closeness. The law is codified in Chapter 944 of the Wisconsin Statutes, particularly section 944.06, which addresses incest. It is important to note that consent is not a defense to the crime of incest in Wisconsin; the offense can be prosecuted regardless of whether both parties consented to the sexual relations. Incest is considered a Class F felony in Wisconsin, which can result in a fine of up to $25,000, imprisonment for up to 12 years and 6 months, or both. As with any criminal offense, the specific circumstances of the case can affect the actual penalties imposed.