Lewdness with child under 14 years; penalties

Vegas Criminal Attorney Explains Lewdness with a Child

Lewdness is a crime under Nevada law, and is considered to be an offense against public decency and good morality. Many different types of lewd behavior have been made illegal in Chapter 201 of Title 15, which is the chapter of Nevada law that defines crimes against public decency and good morals. One of the most serious accusations that you could face, however, centers around lewdness with a child who is under the age of 14.

Because children cannot consent and because of the special protections under the law for children, lewdness with a child under 14 is considered to be a very serious crime that could result in life-changing penalties. If you are accused of committing this offense, you need to make certain you are assertive and proactive in responding to the charges that could destroy your reputation and your future.

One of the best options you have when accused of lewdness with a child under 14 years old is to contact an experienced Vegas criminal defense attorney who can help you to fight the charges that you are facing. LV Criminal Defense has successfully represented many defendants accused of crimes made illegal in Chapter 201 and we understand how prosecutors pursue cases against defendants accused of committing crimes against morality and decency.

Our Vegas criminal lawyers can bring our extensive legal experience to your case to help you to determine if you should try to negotiate a plea agreement or if fighting charges in court is likely to result in the most favorable outcome. We can negotiate on your behalf with prosecutors or stand up for you in court to help you get acquitted of serious charges. You should give us a call as soon as you are under investigation or as soon as you have been arrested for lewdness with a child under 14 so we can get to work in fighting for the best possible outcomes as you navigate the criminal justice system while faced with serious charges.

Nevada Revised Statute Section 201.230: Lewdness with Child Under 14

Lewdness, which includes public sexual conduct or exposing yourself or someone else, is a crime in Nevada regardless of the age of those involved in the lewd acts. However, under Nevada Revised Statute section 201.230, lewdness with a child under the age of 14 carries very harsh penalties.

A person who commits lewd behavior or lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14 could be convicted of a lewdness offense in any circumstances where the lewd behavior or lascivious acts do not constitute sexual assault. A defendant could be convicted whether the lewd act is committed upon the body of the child or is committed with the body of the child. However, the prosecutor must prove that the intent of the act was to arouse, appeal to, or gratify the lust, passion, or sexual desires of either the defendant committing the lewd act or the child who the act was committed upon.

If a defendant is convicted of lewdness with a child under 14 as defined by N.R.S. 201.230, a defendant can be charged with a Category A felony for a first offense. The potential penalties include a fine up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for life with the possibility of parole after 10 years. If the defendant is convicted of a second or subsequent offense of lewdness with a child under the age of 14, the defendant can be sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.