Pandering, Pimping and Brothel Charges in Nevada

Nevada has a complex history when it comes to prostitution and sex work. While prostitution is illegal throughout most of the state, there are some legal brothels located in rural counties[1]. However, activities like pandering and pimping remain illegal even in counties with legal brothels[2]. This article provides an overview of pandering, pimping and brothel laws in Nevada, potential defenses, and the implications of being convicted.

What is Pandering in Nevada?

Pandering refers to recruiting or encouraging someone to engage in prostitution, even if no money changes hands[3]. The legal definition under Nevada law is that pandering involves inducing an adult to unlawfully become a prostitute or continue engaging in prostitution[4].

Pandering does not require threats or physical force. Merely enticing someone into prostitution through promises of money, drugs or other incentives is enough to constitute pandering under Nevada law[5].

Some examples of pandering include:

• Offering customers or a place to live to someone to convince them to become a prostitute[6].
• Suggesting that someone could “make money quickly” by engaging in prostitution.
• Driving someone to a location to engage in prostitution, even if no money is exchanged for the ride.

Pandering is a category C felony in Nevada, carrying 1-5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

How Pandering Differs from Pimping

Pandering refers to recruiting someone into prostitution, while pimping refers to living off the proceeds of a prostitute. A pimp solicits customers for prostitutes and then takes a cut of their earnings.

So a panderer convinces someone to become a prostitute, while a pimp facilitates and profits from the prostitution of someone who is already a sex worker. However, a single person can be guilty of both pimping and pandering.

Legal Brothels in Nevada

Nevada law allows licensed brothels to operate in some rural counties. All prostitution outside of licensed brothels is illegal, including in Las Vegas and Reno.

Legal brothels have strict licensing and health requirements for workers. Workers must register with the county sheriff, receive regular medical exams, and use condoms for all sexual acts.

While prostitution is allowed in licensed brothels, pandering and pimping remain illegal. Brothel owners and staff cannot encourage or recruit women into prostitution – they must apply to work at the brothel voluntarily.

Defenses to Pandering and Pimping Charges

Some potential defenses to pandering or pimping charges include:

• No recruitment/encouragement occurred – For pandering charges, the defense could argue the defendant did not actually recruit or persuade the alleged victim to engage in prostitution.
• No proceeds from prostitution – For pimping charges, the defense may claim any money received did not actually come from prostitution earnings.
• Entrapment – In some cases, undercover police may encourage or pressure the target into committing crimes like pandering or pimping. A skilled lawyer can argue the police entrapped the defendant.
• False accusations – The alleged victim may have ulterior motives for falsely accusing the defendant of pandering or pimping.

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the evidence and build the strongest defense to get charges reduced or dismissed.

Implications of a Conviction

Pandering and pimping are felony offenses that can result in years in prison and substantial fines. A felony conviction also leads to:

• Having a permanent criminal record, which can hurt job and housing prospects.
• Potential asset forfeiture of money or property obtained through prostitution.
• Loss of voting rights, jury duty rights, and gun ownership rights.
• Possible deportation for non-citizen defendants.

Anyone facing pandering or pimping charges should consult a criminal defense attorney immediately to understand their rights and options. An attorney may be able to get charges reduced or dismissed through plea bargaining or by raising strong defenses. This can help mitigate the severe consequences of a conviction.

Conclusion

While Nevada has some legal brothels, pandering and pimping remain felonies carrying substantial penalties. Consulting an experienced criminal lawyer provides the best chance at an acquittal or minimized charges. This overview of pandering and pimping laws demonstrates these are complex issues that require expert legal guidance to navigate.