Greater Penalties for Pimping Under-Aged Prostitutes in Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada, has the second largest number of child prostitutes in the country (Atlanta, Georgia ranks first). In an effort to curb this growing problem, Governor Jim Gibbons signed Nevada Assembly Bill 380 just this morning, which makes Nevada’s prostitution laws regarding under-aged sex workers the harshest in the U.S.
Contrary to Sin City’s reputation, prostitution in Las Vegas, Nevada is actually illegal. ("Nevada does permit prostitution in twelve rural counties," explains Las Vegas prostitution defense lawyer Michael Becker, "but it must take place only in licensed brothels that follow strict health and safety regulations.") The new bill doesn’t affect the current penalties for prostitution and solicitation, which are just misdemeanors (NRS 201.354). But, starting October 1, 2009, Nevada will increase punishments for pandering (commonly referred to as “pimping”) as well as trafficking:
Prior to AB 380, the crime of pandering or trafficking a child under 18 years old carried a maximum of twenty years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Now, if the child is between ages 14 and 18, the fine is raised to $100,000. And if the child is under 14, the fine is now $500,000. In addition, the suspect’s assets may be frozen and forfeited without a hearing. By increasing the monetary penalties of child trafficking and pandering for prostitution, Nevada hopes to deter the practice altogether.
