Las Vegas Solicitation Lawyer

What is Solicitation?

In Nevada, solicitation is defined as either engaging in prostitution or soliciting prostitution. NRS 201.354. This means that the person seeking to pay for sex is charged with the same offense as the person who offers sexual services for a fee, although as explained in greater detail below, the potential penalties are different.

This is a somewhat confusing crime for many people because prostitution is legal in certain parts of Nevada. Pursuant to NRS 244.345, prostitution is legal in any county with a population under 700,000 per the last decennial census.

That being said, prostitution is entirely illegal in Clark County (e.g. Las Vegas, Henderson, Pahrump, Goodsprings, Laughlin, and Mesquite), Washoe County (e.g. Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Verdi), Douglas County, Eureka County, Lincoln County, and Pershing County. The other 10 counties technically allow for licensed brothels within particular areas, although only 7 of those 10 counties currently have active brothels.

As of February 2018, there were a total of 21 brothels in Nevada that employ around 200 women, according to Encyclopedia of Prostitution and Sex Work, edited by Melissa Hope Ditmore in 2006. Most of these women come to the brothels from other cities or states for a limited period of time and then go back home once they’ve earned enough money. All of the women are required to undergo background checks in addition to regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases. They are also required to use condoms during sex.

The same is not true for prostitution within Clark County and specifically Las Vegas. Since prostitution is entirely illegal, there are no regulations regarding testing or background checks. And since it is illegal, people who are found by police to be engaging in or soliciting prostitution will be charged with a crime.

Discuss your case with Attorney Jennifer Ferris at Ferris Law. Call (702) 710-8882 or contact us online.

Penalties For Solicitation

A person who is accepting money for sexual services is charged a misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.00.

For a person who is trying to pay for sexual services, the potential penalties are enhanceable, meaning that the charge itself and its corresponding penalties increase if the person has prior convictions or sustains additional convictions in the future.

Possible defenses include:

• Entrapment
• Mistake

first offense

For a first offense, the person would be charged with a misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.00. Here the fine would have to be a minimum of $400.00 as well. There is also a civil penalty of not less than $200.00 or complete the equivalent in community service.

Second offense

For a second offense, the person would be charged with a gross misdemeanor and punished by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of not less than $800.00 and not more than $2,000.00. There is also a civil penalty of not less than $200.00 or complete the equivalent in community service.

Third offense

For a third or subsequent offense, the person would be charged with a gross misdemeanor and punished by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of not less than $1,300.00 and not more than $2,000.00. There is also a civil penalty of not less than $200.00 or the person can complete the equivalent in community service.

Ferris Law is ready to help when you need an advocate on your side. Call (702) 710-8882 today