An adult who commits sexual extortion and knows or should have known the victim is 15, 16 or 17 now faces a class 2 felony instead of a class 3 felony, with sentences that must run back-to-back with other sexual extortion sentences.
Official title: sexual extortion; classification
- September 12, 2026
What changes
BeforeSexual extortion against a victim aged 15, 16 or 17 was covered by the general rule: a class 3 felony.
NowIf the offender is 18 or older and knows or should have known the victim is 15, 16 or 17, sexual extortion is a class 2 felony.
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NowIn those cases, the sentence must be consecutive to (served after, not at the same time as) any other sentence imposed on the person for sexual extortion.
BeforeFor a class 3 sexual extortion conviction, the person is not eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release until the sentence is served or commuted, except as allowed by section 31-233, subsection A or B.
NowThe same limits on suspension of sentence, probation, pardon and release apply to the new class 2 offense involving 15- to 17-year-old victims.
Who it affects
- Adults charged with or convicted of sexual extortion involving victims aged 15, 16 or 17
- Victims aged 15 to 17 and their families
- Prosecutors and courts
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- The specific prison sentence ranges for a class 2 or class 3 felony
- Whether the change applies to offenses committed before the law takes effect
- How it is proven that an offender should have known the victim's age
- What rule applies if the offender is under 18 and the victim is 15 to 17
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.