Incest charges in Larimer County can result from situations where an adult sexually assaults or has sexual contact with a relative, sometimes involving children. Additionally, it is unlawful in Colorado to have consensual sex with or marry step-children or adopted children, even when they're adults. Incest charges in Fort Collins and Loveland often accompany sexual assault or sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust as well. Due to the magnitude of these sex offenses, it is imperative that anyone facing an investigation or accusation of sex with a relative contact an experienced incest defense lawyer right away.

What Actions Can Lead to Incest Charges in Colorado?

C.R.S. 18-6-301 addresses the crime of incest in Colorado's cities, towns, and counties. If someone knowingly marries, inflicts sexual penetration or intrusion on, or has sexual contact with any of the following relatives, criminal charges can be filed:

• natural child,
• child by adoption,
• stepchild 21 or older,
• sibling,
• uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece

However, charges of aggravated incest apply if the natural child, step-child, or adopted child is under the age of 21. Aggravated incest also applies when the above behaviors apply to a sibling, nephew, or niece under the age of 10.

What Are the Penalties for Incest in Colorado?

The potential penalties for conviction of incest or aggravated incest are especially severe in Colorado. Punishment can include indeterminate sentencing, placing a minimum on time in prison, but no maximum. If no bodily injury occurred and there was no use or threat of a deadly weapon, incest is a class 4 felony. Consequences can include:

• 2 years – life in the Colorado Department of Corrections,
• fines of up to $500,000

Ramifications of aggravated incest are amplified, raising the minimum prison sentence from 4 years – life and up to $750,000 in fines. Additional penalties for these sex offenses include:

• sex offender registration,
• evaluations and treatment,
• sex offender intensive supervised probation (SOISP)

Larimer County Incest Defense Lawyer

Few criminal charges carry the same weight as incest and aggravated incest in Larimer County. Whether accused in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Estes Park, there is an uphill battle ahead that may seem insurmountable. Fortunately, the skilled sex crimes attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC have decades of experience with these charges and a particularly thorough understanding of the law surrounding this offense. Perhaps you didn't know you were related to the alleged victim or they aren't a blood relative, step-child, or adopted child. Nonetheless, contact our office for a free initial consultation with Larimer County's best sex crime lawyers. We will carefully analyze your unique situation and suggest next steps, all while prioritizing your best possible outcome.

If you or someone you know is facing incest charges in Colorado, be smart. Contact the top criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo Credit: Unsplash – Morgan Sessions