While almost half of states label the crime a misdemeanor, in some of those states, such as Kansas and Maine, the severity level jumps to a felony if the actor causes or coerces juveniles to engage in the activity or if the person has previous convictions of bestiality.

Georgia also has a mandatory minimum of one year in jail up with a maximum of up to five. Idaho gives a sentence of not less than 5 years in state prison. In Rhode Island, conviction results in imprisonment for not less than 7 years up to 20 years. One striking fact is the range of possible sentences under the laws. States are somewhat split between categorizing first offenses misdemeanors or felonies (21 misdemeanor and 25 felony, which also depends on severity of conduct and injury to the animal in states like Nevada and Texas). Hawaii, New Mexico, West Virginia and Wyoming, as well as the District of Columbia, do not have laws addressing this conduct. Most states (about 46) have some provision that criminalizes engaging in sexual conduct with animals. This table details state laws prohibiting sexual conduct between humans and animals. These laws may also require the perpetrator to undergo psychological counseling and may restrain future ownership of animals. Subsequent convictions may result in enhanced penalties in many states (felony offenses for second or subsequent convictions). States are somewhat split between categorizing first offenses misdemeanors or felonies (21 misdemeanor, 25 felony, depending on severity of conduct in states like Nevada and Texas). Currently, Hawaii, New Mexico, West Virginia and Wyoming lack such a law. The majority of states (about 46) have some provision that criminalizes engaging in sexual conduct with animals. For purposes of New York and New Jersey State ethics rules, please take notice that this website and its case reviews may constitute attorney advertising.This table details state laws prohibiting sexual conduct between humans and animals. Before making any decision or accepting any legal advice, you should have a proper legal consultation with a licensed attorney with whom you have an attorney-client privilege. It is not a substitute for professional legal assistance. All information available on our site is available on an 'AS-IS' basis. It is possible that the law may not apply to you and may have changed from the time a post was made. The law is also subject to change from time to time and legal statutes and regulations vary between states. The people providing legal help and who respond are volunteers who may not be lawyers, legal professionals or have any legal training or experience. When you submit a question or make a comment on our site or in our law forum, you clearly imply that you are interested in receiving answers, opinions and responses from other people. Legal Disclaimer: The content appearing on our website is for general information purposes only.

Define bestiality