Prostitution and Solicitation Charges in Las Vegas
Prostitution and Solicitation Charges in Las Vegas
Prostitution and solicitation laws in Las Vegas, Nevada are quite confusing. While prostitution is legal at licensed brothels in some parts of Nevada, it remains illegal in Clark County and the city of Las Vegas. This article provides an overview of prostitution and solicitation laws in Las Vegas, typical penalties if convicted, and potential defenses to fight the charges.
What is Prostitution and Solicitation in Las Vegas?
Under Nevada law, prostitution involves engaging in sexual activity or conduct in exchange for money or something of value. Solicitation refers to offering, agreeing to, or engaging in prostitution.
It does not matter if sexual contact actually occurs or if money is exchanged. Simply offering or agreeing to exchange sex for money constitutes solicitation and is illegal in Las Vegas. Police routinely conduct sting operations to catch people engaging in solicitation.
Penalties for Prostitution and Solicitation
For first-time offenses, solicitation of prostitution is a misdemeanor in Nevada. Potential penalties include:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Mandatory AIDS/HIV testing
- Community service
Penalties increase for repeat offenses:
- Second offense: Gross misdemeanor with up to 364 days in jail and $2,000 fine
- Third offense: Gross misdemeanor with up to 364 days in jail and $3,500 fine
Soliciting a minor under 18 brings much harsher punishments, including potential prison time.
Police Tactics and Arrests
Las Vegas police use various tactics to catch people engaging in solicitation:
- Undercover officers pose as prostitutes or customers in bars, hotels, and other venues
- Monitoring escort ads and chat rooms online
- Covert surveillance of massage parlors and strip clubs
Hotels and casinos have security guards who look out for solicitation and detain suspects until police arrive. Arrests often lead to spending a night in jail until release or bail is arranged.
Fighting Prostitution and Solicitation Charges
There are several potential defenses if accused of solicitation in Las Vegas:
- No agreement made: The discussion was vague or misunderstood, and no clear agreement for sex in exchange for money was made.
- Entrapment: The undercover officer induced you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have.
- Mistaken identity: You were mistaken for someone else.
- False accusations: The other party is lying about what occurred.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the evidence against you and build the strongest defense to fight the charges. They may be able to get charges reduced or dismissed through plea negotiations.
Getting Charges Dismissed
For first offenses, prosecutors may agree to dismiss solicitation charges in exchange for:
- Fines and community service
- Attending an AIDS awareness class
- Avoiding further arrests during the case
Dismissals allow for immediate record sealing after the case closes. Sealed records won’t show up on background checks.
Prostitution Laws in Nevada
While prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas and Clark County, it is legal at licensed brothels in several rural counties. However, solicitation remains illegal outside of licensed brothels. Prostitution and solicitation laws are strictly enforced throughout Nevada.
Consequences of Conviction
A conviction for solicitation of prostitution can have lasting consequences that go beyond fines and jail time. It creates an embarrassing criminal record that can damage your reputation and future opportunities. Some potential consequences include:
- Difficulty finding jobs or getting licensed for certain professions
- Denial of student loans and public housing assistance
- Deportation for non-citizens
- Travel restrictions to countries like Canada
Getting Legal Help
Facing prostitution or solicitation charges in Las Vegas can be stressful. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights, build the strongest defense for your case, and try to achieve the best possible outcome. Consider contacting a lawyer for a free consultation and case evaluation. They can advise you of all your options under Nevada law. With an aggressive defense, many solicitation charges can be reduced or dismissed.