NRS 201.230 - Lewdness with a Child Under 14
Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers with experience defending against Lewdness with Child Under 14 Years charges in Clark County, Henderson, Reno and Laughlin
Nevada law as to child molestation, child sexual abuse or "Lewdness with a Child under 14 " years is defined in NRS 201.230. Nevada law defines this as committing "any lewd or lascivious act.upon the body, or any part or member thereof, under the age of 14 " with the purpose of sexually gratifying the defendant or the child.
NRS 201.230 is almost identical to California's Penal Code 288, which defines child sexual abuse. Both statutes refer to any touching of a child under age 14 for the purpose of arousing the person accused, or the child victim. The touching does not have to be on a sexual organ. It can be anywhere on the child's body, as long as it is done with a sexual intent.
Nevada Law Penalties for Lewdness with a Child Under 14
NRS 201.230 -- Lewdness with a Child Under 14 -- is generally punished as life in Nevada Prison on a first offense, and life in Nevada prison (without the possibility of Nevada parole) if the defendant has a prior conviction for the same or for a comparable offense.
Although these penalties sound terrifying, keep in mind that merely being arrested for a Las Vegas lewdness offense does not make one guilty. The person is still presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. A top notch Las Vegas lewdness defense lawyer may be able to prevent that from happening.
If you're an immigrant or other non-citizen, know that lewdness with a minor may be considered a crime involving moral turpitude in Nevada, which means that you can get thrown out of the country for it if you're convicted. Therefore, if you're an alien, it's very important you secure legal counsel early to try to plead down your case to a non-removable offense.
Unfortunately, innocent Las Vegas, Clark County and Nevada residents can find themselves wrongly accused of Lewdness with a Child Under 14. This may stem from accusing witnesses being affected by manipulation, misconception, misunderstanding or outright untruthfulness. Experienced Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys and investigators often can uncover these factors leading to the person's wrongful prosecution.
