Question 1

Is it illegal to disrupt a religious service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nevada law makes it a misdemeanor crime to willfully disturb or interrupt a religions congregation by either: 1) Noisy, rude or indecent behavior, profane discourse, either within the place where such meeting is held, or so near it as to disturb the order and solemnity of the meeting; or 2) Exhibiting shows or plays, or promoting any racing of animals, or gaming of any description, or engaging in any boisterous or noisy amusement; or 3) Disturbing free passage along a highway within one mile of the meeting, or by maliciously cutting or otherwise injuring or disturbing a conveyance or other property belonging to anyone attending the meeting; or 4) Menacing, threatening or assaulting any person at the meeting.

Question 2

What are the penalties for disturbing a religious service in Nevada?

Accepted Answer

Disturbing religious meetings is a misdemeanor in Nevada, punishable by up to 6 months in jail, and/or up to $1,000 in fines.

Question 3

How do I fight NRS 201.270 charges?

Accepted Answer

Four potential defenses to Nevada charges of disturbing a religious meeting include: 1) No intent to disturb: A person is guilty of disrupting a religious service only if he/she acted willfully. Unless prosecutors can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant's actions were intentional, then criminal charges should not stand. 2) False allegations:  Sometimes good people are wrongly accused by others out of jealousy, anger, fear or a misunderstanding. If a defense attorney can introduce evidence of eyewitness testimony or video surveillance suggesting that the defendant behaved lawfully, the D.A. may choose to throw out the case for lack of proof. 3) No religious meeting: Perhaps law enforcement was mistaken about the meeting being religious in nature. Perhaps it was a public meeting on purely civic matters, and the peace officers did not realize this. But depending on the nature of the disturbance, the defendant might still face charges for disorderly conduct for disturbing a non-religious meeting. 4) Freedom of speech: In some cases, disturbing a religious meeting may be protected by the First Amendment and the Nevada Supreme Court's interpretation of freedom of speech and expression.

Question 4

Can you stop someone from entering a church?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even though churches and other places of worship are generally considered public places, they are private property. Therefore, they can restrict who is allowed to enter.

Question 5

Can the charges get sealed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Nevada conviction for disturbing a religious meeting can be sealed from the defendant's criminal record one year after the case ends. And if the charge gets dismissed, then the defendant can pursue a record seal immediately.

1. ¿Es ilegal interrumpir un servicio religioso?

2. ¿Cuáles son las penas por perturbar un servicio religioso en Nevada?

3. ¿Cómo lucho contra los cargos de NRS 201.270?

4. ¿Puedes impedir que alguien entre a una iglesia?

5. ¿Se pueden sellar los cargos?

Referencias Legales

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