Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Defenses To Prostitution & Solicitation Charges In Nevada?
The most typical defense to Nevada solicitation charges is that you did not knowingly propose – or agree to trade – sexual services for money. Sex workers frequently use coded language, and it’s possible that you misunderstood what was being said. Unless there was an overt act of solicitation, the charge should be dropped.
Another possible defense is that you were entrapped by the police during a solicitation sting operation. If the undercover police officer pressured you into solicitation when you showed no prior inclination to do so – and would not have done it but for said pressure – then the police committed entrapment. Depending on the case, any money exchanged can be argued as unconnected to sexual conduct; potentially just a loan or payment for some other good or service.
Can Prostitution & Solicitation Charges Be Dismissed?
More often than not, Las Vegas prosecutors are willing to let go of first-time solicitation or prostitution charges if the individual agrees to this plea bargain:
- Paying a fine
- Community service
- Attending an AIDS Awareness class
The sentence will be dismissed with no time in jail once you have completed the conditions. In some instances, prosecutors who are hesitant to dismiss the matter may accept a lesser charge change instead of dismissing the case entirely. Disorderly conduct (NRS 207.200) and trespass (NRS 207.200) are examples of this. If you’re facing prostitution or solicitation charges in Nevada, you may be able to get your charges dismissed. Contact our Las Vegas prostitution and solicitation attorney today.
Is Prostitution Legal In Nevada?
Although prostitution and the solicitation of prostitution are illegal under Nevada state law, there are a few rural counties where it is allowed in licensed establishments. All other forms of prostitution, including brothels, remain completely illegal in places like Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and Carson City. Nevada law does not outright forbid escort services, but many people believe them to be fronts for prostitution. Law enforcement in Las Vegas will sometimes go undercover as “johns,” or men who buy prostitutes’ time and company, to apprehend those breaking the law.
Only in the following Nevada counties is regulated, licensed brothel prostitution currently lawful:
- Churchill County
- Elko County (only in incorporated Elko, Carlin, Wendover, and Wells)
- Esmeralda County
- Humbolt County (only in incorporated Winnemucca)
- Lander County
- Lyon County (only in Mound House)
- Mineral County
- Nye County
- Storey County
- White Pine County (only in incorporated Ely)
Outside Nevada’s legal brothels, these counties ban any form of prostitution. All sex workers working for a properly licensed house of prostitution are required by law to meet the following guidelines:
- Be adults,
- Have work cards,
- Get paid fair wages,
- Work of their own free will, and
- Regularly test for sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and HIV.
Examples of illegal prostitution in Nevada include:
- Streetwalking,
- Escort services, and
- “Happy ending” massage parlors
Are Escorts Legal In Las Vegas?
Escort services are legal in Las Vegas as long as:
- They work for an “escort bureau,” which has a current and valid business license;
- The escorts have current and valid work cards;
- The escorts only provide service by accompanying patrons to social events;
- The escort bureau does not advertise sexual services.
In reality, most escort agencies are fronts for prostitution. Police frequently conduct undercover stings to catch escorts offering or agreeing to trade money for sex. However, this can sometimes be considered entrapment and be used as a viable defense on your behalf. If you’re facing similar charges, contact our Las Vegas prostitution and solicitation attorney today.
Contact Our Las Vegas Solicitation Defense Attorney Today
If you’ve been charged with prostitution or solicitation in Nevada, you must seek legal counsel as soon as possible to avoid harsh and life-altering penalties. Our Las Vegas solicitation defense attorney, Chandon Alexander, routinely represents sex crime cases and will have the legal knowledge you need to secure the best possible outcome in your case. Contact the Spartacus Law Firm today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.