Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking Charges in Nevada

Human trafficking and sex trafficking are serious crimes that unfortunately occur in Nevada. While Las Vegas is known as an entertainment destination, there is a dark underbelly of people being exploited. This article will provide an overview of human trafficking and sex trafficking laws in Nevada, real world examples, defenses, and the implications if convicted.

What is Human Trafficking in Nevada?

Human trafficking involves transporting people in order to exploit them for labor, services, or commercial sex[1]. Nevada has laws prohibiting human trafficking for financial gain (NRS 200.467) or other illegal purposes like forced labor (NRS 200.468) [2].

Some examples of human trafficking include:

• A farm labor contractor bringing migrant workers from Mexico to Nevada and forcing them to work in unsafe conditions to pay off transportation costs[2]
• A pimp trafficking Russian “mail order brides” to Nevada to work as prostitutes at a Las Vegas club, which could also be sex trafficking[2]

Victims are often lured by false promises then controlled through force, fraud, or coercion. Traffickers may threaten to harm family members, confiscate passports, or use violence.

Sex Trafficking Laws in Nevada

Sex trafficking involves inducing or transporting someone to engage in commercial sex acts against their will[3]. This falls under the broader definition of human trafficking.

Nevada law prohibits sex trafficking under NRS 201.300. It is illegal to cause, induce, persuade, encourage, inveigle, entice, recruit, harbor, transport, provide or obtain another person to engage in prostitution.

If the victim is under 18, force, fraud or coercion do not need to be proven. The penalties are harsher for trafficking minors compared to adults.

Real World Examples

• In 2010, a pimp from Sacramento brought two teenage girls aged 14 and 15 to Reno and forced them into prostitution. He was arrested and charged with sex trafficking[1].
• Over 1000 children have been rescued from sex trafficking in Las Vegas since 2003. In 2009 alone, 155 children were rescued[1].
• Many children in Clark County’s juvenile detention facility are there on prostitution-related charges[1].

Defenses to Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking Charges

There are several possible defenses if accused of human trafficking or sex trafficking[4]:

• Lack of knowledge: The defendant was unaware the person was an illegal immigrant or being trafficked.
• No unlawful purpose: The defendant did not have financial or illegal motives when transporting the victim.
• Consent: For adult sex trafficking, the victim consented to engage in prostitution (does not apply to minors).
• Entrapment: Law enforcement induced the defendant to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn’t.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate if any of these defenses apply to your specific situation.

Penalties if Convicted of Human Trafficking or Sex Trafficking

The penalties for human trafficking and sex trafficking are severe, but depend on the circumstances[4][5][6]:

• Human trafficking for financial gain (NRS 200.467) – Category B felony punishable by 1-10 years in prison and/or up to a $50,000 fine.
• Human trafficking for illegal purposes (NRS 200.468) – Category B felony punishable by 1-20 years in prison and/or up to a $50,000 fine.
• Sex trafficking an adult victim (NRS 201.300) – Category B felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison.
• Sex trafficking a minor victim (NRS 201.300) – Felony punishable by life in prison with parole eligibility beginning after 5-10 years depending on the child’s age. Fines up to $50,000 may also apply.
• Sex offender registration: Those convicted of sex trafficking will also be required to register as a sex offender.
• Federal charges: Prosecution and additional penalties in federal court are also possible under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

Long-Term Consequences

The impacts of a human trafficking or sex trafficking conviction go far beyond jail time. Long-term consequences include[4]:

• Having a felony record which can limit jobs, housing, loans etc.
• Sex offender registration making it hard to live, work, or attend school near children.
• Possible deportation for non-citizens.

Seeking Legal Help

Being charged with human trafficking or sex trafficking is extremely serious. The laws surrounding these crimes are complex. The penalties are severe. And the long-term consequences can ruin lives.

If you or a loved one have been accused in Nevada, it is critical to immediately seek help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. A skilled attorney can evaluate the evidence against you, advise you on the best defense strategy, and aggressively defend your rights both in pretrial negotiations and at trial. This gives you the best chance at avoiding a devastating conviction.