Nevada Law For Pandering, Pimping & Sex Trafficking
According to Nevada’s definition, sex trafficking is forcing a person to engage in prostitution or agree to be married through the use of force and/or threats. These offenses were established in 2015 under pandering (C category felony), which is convincing someone to become a prostitute or continue being one. The penalty for this crime is 1-5 years imprisonment. Since the legislature passed new sex trafficking laws in 2015, pandering (NRS 200.300(1)) is now much less common; because this type of conduct is included in the new sex trafficking offenses with harsher penalties. Specifically, NRS 201.300(2) defines sex trafficking as any person who:
- For the purpose of sexual conduct or prostitution, causes a child to engage in prostitution, enter any place where prostitution is practiced or allowed within this State, be recruited, harbored, or transported
- By employing any means, this law inducts, recruits, harbors, transports, or provides a person for the purpose of sexual conduct or prostitution with the knowledge that threats, violence force intimidation fraud duress, or coercion will be used
- By any means of threats, violence, force, intimidation, fraud, duress, or coercion – or by abusing a position of confidence or authority – if you take someone somewhere in this state for the purpose of sexual conduct or prostitution where it is practiced allowed then that’s an indictable offense
- This crime occurs when someone takes or detains another person against their will, using force, violence, threats, or duress in an attempt to compel them to marry themselves or another person
if you’re facing sex trafficking charges in Nevada, it’s vital to have a Las Vegas sex trafficking defense attorney who is experienced in these types of cases. The Spartacus Law Firm has a long history of defending those accused of sex crimes in Clark County and will use that knowledge and experience in your case.
Penalties For Sex Trafficking In Las Vegas
The sentence for sex trafficking charges in Nevada varies according to the age of the victim at the time of the offense and is subject to additional fines. Below is a breakdown of the potential penalties:
- Adult (Category B Felony) – 3-10 years, and a fine of up to $10,000
- Child between 16-18 years old (Category A Felony) – Life with the possibility of parole after 5 years served, and a fine of up to $10,000
- Child between 14-16 years old (Category A Felony) – Life with the possibility of parole after 10 years served, and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Child less than 14 years old (Category A Felony) – Life with the possibility of parole after 15 years served, and a fine of up to $20,000.
If the victim of the sex trafficking is an adult, then probation might be a possibility for the offender. However, if there was any involvement of a minor in terms of physical force or violence, or if there were threats made with force, then the court could order a fine worth up to $500,000. Lastly, anyone who is convicted of sex trafficking will have to register as a sex offender according to NRS 179D.470.
Juveniles Charged With Prostitution In Las Vegas
In the Juvenile Justice System for Prostitution in Clark County, individuals aged 21 and younger who are suspected of prostitution-related activities are placed into a special division. This targeted court includes Assistant District Attorneys and Public Defenders knowledgeable about Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) realities.
Children who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of America can be sexually exploited for prostitution, pornography, or sexual performances done in exchange for compensation such as money, food, drugs, or shelter. The DMST allows courts to keep track of the statistical data on how many young girls and boys in Las Vegas and Clark County fall victim to prostitution and sex trafficking. It also gives options for placement opportunities for these vulnerable children.
Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking In Nevada
In Nevada, according to criminal code NRS 199.480, two or more individuals conspiring together to commit a crime such as murder, kidnapping, or bank robbery is legally defined as criminal conspiracy.
- Even if the intended crime never actually takes place, and
- Even if the conspirators make no overt act towards committing the crime.
If you are involved in a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in the state of Nevada, you may be subject to a category B felony offense. This crime is punishable by 1-6 years in prison. It’s important to keep in mind that an individual can be charged with both sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit this heinous act.
Prosecution of Sex Trafficking In Nevada
Although it generally needs a court order, law enforcement may wiretap sex trafficking suspects who are following the law. However, if it’s an emergency situation, this isn’t required. If these wiretaps go to trial, they may be used as evidence. In Nevada, prosecutors are now allowed to use expert testimony about the “prostitution subculture” (NRS 201.305) in order to try and convince a jury that an accused person is guilty beyond reasonable doubt for actions that might not appear criminal by themselves.
- The study of the interaction between a prostitute and a pimp, as well as how pandering or sex trafficking influences that relationship; and
- The normal behavior and language used in the prostitution subculture