Soliciting prostitution is only legal within the state under limited circumstances. Violating state laws on solicitation can lead to significant penalties and jail time, but you have the right to a zealous legal defense from a seasoned sex crimes attorney.
When you are charged with illegally soliciting prostitution, a Reno solicitation lawyer from the Law Office of John Arrascada can advise you about your legal options.
The law defines prostitution as engaging in sexual conduct in return for money or similar consideration, and the solicitation of prostitution is only legal when the act takes place at a licensed house of prostitution “brothel,” according to Nevada Revised Statutes § 201.354. Brothels are illegal in Washoe County and Clark County.
However, there are limitations on how legal brothels can operate within the state. A brothel cannot operate within 400 yards of a school building or religious facility, or on the main business street of a town. Even if the building is not technically located on the street, it is illegal for the brothel to have an entrance or exit located on a principal business street.
The individual solicitation of prostitution is illegal statewide. Solicitation is a misdemeanor that can carry penalties of jail time for up to six months and a minimum $400 fine up to $1,000. Soliciting a minor for prostitution is a felony offense and can require registration as a sex offender. Solicitation of a minor for prostitution is a felony even when the person solicited was a peace officer working undercover as a minor or another individual posing as child during an investigation.
A Reno attorney at the Law Office of John Arrascada can help when you are charged with solicitation.
Aside from solicitation, the state can also impose significant penalties and jail time for certain actions that compel an individual to participate in prostitution or otherwise facilitate illegal prostitution.
If an individual coerces or persuades another person to engage in prostitution, they can be charged with pandering, which does not require violence or physical threats as a means of persuasion. Pandering is a class C felony that can carry penalties of up to five years in jail and a fine up to $10,000.
When someone coerces a minor or otherwise uses means of force or intimidation to make another person engage in prostitution, they can be charged with sex trafficking. Sex trafficking starts as a class B felony that can carry prison time from three to ten years and up to a $10,000 fine, but the penalties for sex trafficking charges involving a minor carries a mandatory minimum 15-year prison term and up to a $20,000 fine.
The court can also find a person guilty of advancing prostitution if they own or control property where illegal prostitution is taking place and they take no actions to end the activity within 30 days of notification.
Advancing prostitution is also considered a class C felony, with penalties beginning at a maximum five-year prison term and fines up to $10,000. A solicitation lawyer in Reno could argue for less severe charges and penalties.
Despite the legality of prostitution in certain counties, illegal solicitation can carry significant penalties. A Reno solicitation lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and potential maximum penalties depending on the facts of your case.
Contact us when you are facing charges of solicitation or illegally facilitating prostitution. John Arrascada brings years of experience to the courtroom and will fight vigorously for your rights.
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