Because prostitution has long been a taboo subject, many people erroneously conflate prostitution and sex trafficking as the same. For Nevada residents, the laws can get even trickier to parse through. Why? Prostitution is technically legal here, but it’s not without its fair share of gray areas.
While prostitution is legal in Nevada, there is a lot of red tape surrounding the practice. It’s prudent for people employed as sex workers to have an intimate knowledge of the Nevada laws and a strong understanding of the difference between charges for sex trafficking and prostitution.
At the Law Offices of Benjamin Nadig, we have the experience necessary to guide our clients through Nevada prostitution laws’ nuance.
Sex Trafficking Defined
According to Nevada sex crime laws, sex trafficking is defined in a few ways. A person can be accused of sex trafficking if it is suspected that they:
- Induced, caused, recruited, or transported a minor for prostitution
- Induced, caused, recruited, or transported an adult under the threat of violence, force, intimidation, coercion, or fraud for the purpose of prostitution
- Took advantage of positions of power to threaten violence, force, fraud, or intimidation for the purpose of coercing an individual into prostitution
- Kidnapped or otherwise unlawfully detained another individual with the intent to use force and coerce unlawful prostitution practices
Nevada is especially stringent as these laws pertain to minors. With that said, Nevada prostitution laws can be complicated, so it’s best to retain the advice of a qualified attorney.
Prostitution in Nevada
In stark contrast to the rest of the country, Nevada’s prostitution laws have fewer bans on the practice. With that said, fewer bans do not mean the practice goes on regulated. According to Nevada prostitution laws, the practice is legal in specified counties, not including Las Vegas, by licensed providers. All providers and brothel managers are subject to background checks and must adhere to strict safety rules for STI transmission and hygiene. If a facility is found in violation of any rules, the first offense is considered a misdemeanor.
Prostitution remains illegal in the following counties:
- Clark County
- Douglas County
- Eureka County
- Lincoln County
- Pershing County
- Washoe County
- Carson City
Sting operations are common in Las Vegas. If you, or someone you know, have been arrested on prostitution charges, call the Law Offices of Benjamin Nadig today.