Child Molestation Lawyer in Las Vegas

Penalties & Collateral Consequences in Nevada

The penalties for lewdness with a child under NRS 201.230 depend on the child’s age and the defendant’s prior record. These are statutory floors set by the Nevada Legislature, not minimums that can be negotiated away.

• Lewdness with a child under 14 (first offense): Category A felony. Life in prison with the possibility of parole, with parole eligibility beginning after a minimum of 10 years served. A fine of up to $10,000 may also apply.
• Lewdness with a child aged 14 or 15 (first offense): Category B felony. 1 to 10 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
• Second or subsequent offense, or prior sexual offense against a child: Category A felony. Life in prison without the possibility of parole.
• Sexual assault of a child under 14 (NRS 200.366, no substantial bodily harm): Life in prison with parole eligibility after a minimum of 35 years.
• Child sexual abuse (NRS 200.508, sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under 14 with substantial bodily or mental harm): Category A felony with parole eligibility beginning after 15 years. Other conduct charged under this statute carries different penalties depending on the nature of the abuse and the degree of harm.

Beyond prison time, a person convicted under NRS 201.230 faces consequences that extend well past release.

Sex Offender Registration
Conviction requires registration on the Nevada Sex Offender Registry, which is publicly searchable. Registration can restrict where you live, where you work, and your ability to travel.

Lifetime Supervision
Lifetime supervision is a separate consequence from registry requirements. It begins upon release from prison and can impose ongoing conditions on your residence, movement, and personal contact.

No Record Sealing
A conviction for lewdness with a child cannot be sealed from Nevada criminal records under any circumstances. This is permanent, not subject to waiting periods or petition.

Deportation Risk for Non-Citizens
Lewdness with a child is classified as an aggravated felony under federal law. Non-citizen defendants convicted of the offense face deportation risk. Whether that risk can be mitigated often depends on whether charges can be reduced to a non-removable offense before a conviction is entered.

Nevada’s statute of limitations for these charges is long. Prosecution may be brought until the victim turns 36 if the victim discovered the abuse by that age, or until the victim turns 43 if discovery came later.

Defense Strategies for Child Molestation Charges in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police maintains a dedicated task force for sexually motivated crimes against children, including internet-related offenses and undercover sting operations. Clark County Child Protective Services may conduct its own investigation separately from law enforcement. Both processes carry real risk without legal counsel present. Do not make any statement to investigators before speaking with a defense attorney.

Nevada courts may admit a child’s out-of-court statements through forensic interview evidence under the hearsay exceptions in NRS 51.385, provided those statements meet reliability standards. Children may also testify via closed-circuit television under NRS 50.580 to avoid direct courtroom confrontation. How this evidence enters the record is central to building an effective defense.

Our lead attorney’s prosecutorial background directly informs how we examine the case against you. We review every element of the prosecution’s evidence, including timelines, forensic interview procedures, chain of custody, and procedural compliance, before outlining your options. Several defense paths may be available depending on the facts:

• False accusation: False accusations are documented in child sex crime cases, particularly when custody disputes or financial motives are present. Establishing reasonable doubt about the allegation is a recognized defense path.
• Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence doesn’t meet that standard, the case can be challenged at every stage, up to and including dismissal.
• Absence of sexual intent: Conviction under NRS 201.230 requires proof of sexual intent. Demonstrating that intent wasn’t present, or that the act didn’t occur as alleged, can defeat the charge at its core.
• Charge reduction through negotiation: For defendants with no prior criminal history, charges may be reduced through early negotiation. Intervention before charges are formally filed can affect how the prosecution structures the case.