Have You Been Charged with a Sexual Crime?

Sex crimes are serious offenses. In Las Vegas and across the country, they are heavily prosecuted. Even allegations of a sex crime can ruin your reputation and your career. If you are being investigated or facing sex crime charges, you need an experienced attorney. Consulting with an attorney early in the process can help ensure you receive the best possible outcome. At the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, we provide dedicated, aggressive representation for individuals accused of committing a sex offense in Las Vegas. We fight for our client’s rights, defending their reputation and freedom. If you have been charged with a sex crime or are under investigation by law enforcement, contact our office at (702) 366-0891 for a free consultation.

Nevada Sex Offense Laws

Sex crimes encompass a wide range of offenses. Depending on the crime, a person may face misdemeanor or felony charges. Certain crimes require sex offender registration. Any allegations of sexual abuse, assault, exploitation, or harassment should be taken seriously. Commonly charged Las Vegas sex crimes include:

• Sexual assault (rape) – pursuant to NRS 200.366, a person guilty of sexual assault may be convicted of a Category A Felony, punishable by up to life in prison. Depending on the age of the victim, whether there was bodily harm, and if the offender has prior convictions, the person may face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
• Statutory sexual seduction (statutory rape) – Under Nevada law, a person may be charged with statutory sexual seduction if they are over the age of 18 and have intercourse or sexual penetration with a person who is 14 or 15 years old and at least 4 years younger than the alleged offender.
• Open or gross lewdness – According to NRS 201.210, open or gross lewdness is punishable as a gross misdemeanor. A second or subsequent sexual offense may be punishable as a Category D Felony.
• Indecent or obscene exposure – In Nevada, a person may be convicted of indecent or obscene exposure if they expose their genitals or anus in an open and indecent or obscene way.
• Prostitution or solicitation – Despite what many people think, prostitution is NOT legal in Las Vegas. Prostitution and solicitation of a prostitute are both illegal in Las Vegas and throughout most parts of Nevada.

There are several other types of sexual offenses, many requiring sex offender registration. In some cases, a Las Vegas sex crime lawyer may be able to get your charges or penalties reduced or dismissed. It is essential to discuss your case with a lawyer as soon as possible. It is never too early to consult with an attorney. Because of the severe penalties associated with sex offenses, you should have legal representation at every stage of the process.

Crimes Requiring Sex Offender Registration in Nevada

Many sex crimes require sex offender registration under state law. NRS 179D.410 defines each of the sex offenses that require registration. In Nevada, sex offenders are divided into three ties depending on the crime committed, criminal history, and the victim involved. Failure to register after conviction for a registerable offense is a separate crime with severe penalties. The length of the registration will depend on the Tier of the offender:

• Tier I offenders must register for 15 years;
• Tier II offenders must register for 25 years; and
• Tier III offenders must register for life.

An offender who satisfies the requirements of registration, including a mandatory minimum length of consecutive registered years, a court may hold a hearing to reduce the registration time.

Sex Crime Penalties In Las Vegas

Penalties for Las Vegas sex crimes can range from a fine and community service to life in prison. Additionally, sex crimes may be a state or federal offense. Because these crimes carry such severe consequences upon conviction, you should always retain a Las Vegas sex crime defense lawyer as early as possible. Penalties based on conviction under Nevada law (Effective July 1, 2020):

• Category A felony – punishable up to life imprisonment with or without the possibility of parole;
• Category B felony – punishable by up to 20 years in prison;
• Category C felony – punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of not more than $10,000;
• Category D felony – punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a fine of not more than $5,000;
• Category E felony – punishable by up to 4 years in prison (suspended with probation) and a fine of up to $5,000);
• Misdemeanor – punishable by up to 6 months in county jail, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both; and
• Gross misdemeanor – punishable by up to 364 days in county jail, a fine of not more than $2,000, or both.

It is vital to discuss your case with an attorney. In many instances, the penalties may be reduced, or the charges themselves may be reduced or dismissed.

Negative Stigma Associated with Sex Offenses

In addition to the severe penalties listed above, sex crimes also have the tendency of carrying a negative social stigma. Many convicted of sex crimes are treated worse than murderers, whether in prison or outside, being forced to register as a sex offender and facing the continued shame of the conviction. Because of this, it is very important that you do not take sex crime charges lightly. With severe penalties and a serious negative social impact, a sex crime is one conviction that may permanently damage your reputation.

Charged with a Sex Crime in Las Vegas?

At the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, we pride ourselves in fighting hard for your innocence, and we know that just being accused of a sex crime can cause great hardship and shame. With the penalties involved and the possible lifelong stigma, it is crucial to fight for your innocence. Contact The Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata at (702) 366-0891 for a free consultation about your charges and possible defenses. Attorney Ogata has over 15 years of experience handling even the most complex sex offense cases. Put your trust in a lawyer with proven results. Call now to get started.