Las Vegas Teacher Sexual Misconduct Attorney

Las Vegas Sexual Misconduct with Students Attorney

In the State of Nevada, it is illegal for school teachers, administrators, and workers to have sexual conduct with students.  It is a very serious crime that comes with a felony level conviction if the accused is found guilty. If you are facing criminal charges, then you have the right to be represented by a knowledgeable and experienced Las Vegas sexual misconduct with students attorney.

A sexual misconduct with a student conviction can completely disrupt your work, social life, finances, and freedom.  If you have a criminal case against you, do not delay seeking help.  The Las Vegas leading criminal defense attorneys at The Spartacus Law Firm are ready to take on your case.  We can evaluate the unique circumstances of your case and prepare a vigorous defense.

How Sexual Misconduct is Defined

Under Nevada law, sexual misconduct with students in Nevada includes a wide range of intimate acts.  “Sexual conduct” in its legal definition, is very broad and includes:

• Sexual intercourse
• Anal penetration
• Oral sex
• Masturbation
• Contact with genitals
• Genital exposure
• Sado-machocistic abuse
• Other lewd acts perpetrated upon another

Additionally, the legal age of consent in Nevada is 16.  However, sexual misconduct with students is always against the law.  That means a person can be found guilty of sexual misconduct, even if the student involved was of legal age and consented to the act.

Sexual Misconduct with Students in Las Vegas Law

Nevada sets forth the law and penalties for school employees who engage in sexual relations with secondary school students.  The statute NV Rev Stat § 201.540 (2017) defines that someone may be guilty of sexual misconduct if they are:

• 21 years of age or older
• Currently employed or were employed at a public or private school in a position of authority
• Engaged in sexual conduct with a student who is 16 years of age or older, who is or was enrolled at or attending the public school or private school at which the person is or was employed or volunteering.

The sexual misconduct with students law applies to both public and private schools in Las Vegas. The law works to protect innocent students from people in positions of authority at a school. As such, the law prohibits teachers, school administrators, coaches, counselors, and school volunteers from having any sexual conduct with the school’s students.

It is important to note that the law does not require that the accused defendant to have been the victim/student’s actual teacher or coach for the law to have an effect.  Rather, it is only necessary to show that the defendant had contact with the student/victim while the person was working in the course of performing his or her duties as an employee at the school where the victim was attending.

Sexual Misconduct with University or College Students in Nevada

A separate Nevada statute specifically addresses sexual misconduct with students at the college or university level.  According to Nevada State Law, codified in NV Rev Stat § 201.550 (2017), a person may be guilty of sexual misconduct with a student if they are:

• 21 years of age or older;
• Employed in a position of authority by a college or university
• They engaged in sexual conduct with a student age 16 years or older who is attending the school or university at which the person is employed.

If you or a loved one has been accused of sexual misconduct with a student in Clark County, NV or the surrounding areas, you will want  to contact an experienced and aggressive criminal defense law firm as soon as possible to prepare to fight the charges against you.

Punishment for Sexual Misconduct with Students in Nevada

A person who is convicted of sexual misconduct with a student will be guilty of a category C felony.  A class C felony comes with severe penalties and consequences.  A category C felony is punishable with imprisonment for a term of no less than 1 year and up to 5 years in state prison.  In addition to jail time, the court may also impose a monetary fine of up to $10,000.

In addition to prison time and fines, all felony convictions will be placed on a person’s criminal record and the convict will be required to register as a sex offender at the Nevada Sex Offender Registry.  The Nevada Sex Offender Registry is a public registry where people can view who has been found guilty of sex crimes.  It is a permanent display of a person’s crime to the community.  This information pertaining to your crime can be viewed by any prospective employers, landlords, family members, or potential romantic partners.  It brings much shame and stigma.

A criminal conviction of sexual misconduct with a student comes with serious consequences that can detrimentally affect all areas of your life. As such, if you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you will need to defend yourself against them.  Do not hesitate to contact a sex crimes lawyer in Las Vegas.