Las Vegas Prostitution Lawyer

Prostitution & Solicitation Charges In Las Vegas, Nevada

Although some out-of-towners might think that all forms of prostitution are legal in Las Vegas, that is certainly not the case. Prostitution might be allowed in other parts of Nevada, but it’s undoubtedly illegal within Clark County, which includes Las Vegas. So if you don’t want to get caught up on solicitation charges, brush up on your understanding of what constitutes both solicitation and prostitution. And know that if you do end up getting charged with either one while you’re in Sin City, there are still criminal defense options available for you.

At the Spartacus Law Firm, our priority is to ensure that you receive the best legal defense possible. Our experienced Las Vegas solicitation defense attorney will work tirelessly on your case and provide you with the resources and knowledge you need to win in court. We offer a free initial consultation so that we can assess your case and determine how we can best help you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and learn more about how we can help.

Prostitution vs Solicitation

In Nevada, sex crimes come in many different forms, but prostitution and solicitation are two of the most common. In the state of Nevada, there is no legal difference between prostitution (selling sex acts in exchange for money) and soliciting prostitution (offering or agreeing to sell sex acts in exchange for money). Both actions break the law, and you will be subject to the same punishment whether any sexual activity took place or not. Most people who are arrested on suspicion of engaging in prostitution are caught by undercover officers while they are attempting to solicit customers in public places like bars or restrooms.

Penalties For Prostitution & Solicitation Charges In Las Vegas

Prostitution is a misdemeanor under Nevada state law, NRS 201.354. A sex worker who is convicted may face imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of at least $400. The soliciting of a minor for prostitution (someone under the age of 18) is considered a felony in Nevada. As you can see, this crime has considerably stiffer repercussions:

• First Solicitation Offense – A first offense is a Category D felony punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and a prison term of 1-4 years.
• Second Solicitation Offense – A second offense is considered a Category C felony and is punishable by 1-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Third Solicitation Offense – A third offense is considered a Category B felony and is punishable by a prison term of 1-6 years and a fine of up to $15,000. Third-time offenders are not eligible for probation or a sentence suspension.

Pandering & Sex Trafficking Charges In Las Vegas

NRS 201.300: pandering is defined as the act of persuading, encouraging, or causing another person to unlawfully take part in prostitution.

If the person is persuaded to do something without the threat or fear of retaliation, this is a crime. If someone incentivizes another to engage in sexual conduct for money without using physical force, it’s pandering. This is considered a Category C felony and carries a sentence ranging from one year to five years in jail along with a fine of up to $10,000. However, if someone is charged with sex trafficking because he or she:

• Induces a child to engage in prostitution or to enter a place where prostitution is allowed
• Induces a person to engage in prostitution with disregard that force or threats will be used
• Threatens or intimidates a person to engage in prostitution
• Takes a person with force or by threats with the intent that the person will marry him or her or another person

If someone is convicted of sex trafficking, they may be charged with a Category B felony in Nevada. This is punishable by imprisonment for three to 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000 according to NRS 201.300.

Internet/Online Solicitation Charges

To “solicit” something is to ask or petition for something. Some definitions even describe it as “urgently ask.” What then does it mean when we speak of online solicitation? Online solicitation can be charged as a sex crime, particularly when it involves someone under the age of 18. Solicitation can also refer to prostitution. While solicitation can carry a number of different connotations, it is typically charged as a sex crime against a minor. In the state of Nevada, soliciting a minor to engage in an “infamous crime against nature” is prohibited by NRS § 201.195.

It is also possible to be charged with open and gross lewdness with a minor under the age of 14 if you request a minor through an internet chat room or another online medium for sexual gratification. Chat rooms and the like are notorious for sex crime accusations. If you were accused of requesting sexual services, pictures, or anything similar from a child over the internet, you should contact our Las Vegas solicitation defense attorney right away. Regardless of how complicated or complex your situation appears, you can trust our firm to give you the legal assistance you need.