Sexual assault

What is Sexual Assault Under Nevada Law?

Sexual assault is a serious crime under Nevada law and the potential penalties if convicted could include life without parole or a very long term of imprisonment. In addition, a conviction can also result in required registration as a sex offender after release from incarceration.

The consequences of sexual assault are life-changing as the penalties are among the most serious imposed for any crimes under Nevada law. Any defendant who has been accused of sexual assault needs to talk with a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about taking steps to try to avoid conviction or to try to negotiate a favorable plea deal that may involve reduced charges or a recommendation for a lenient sentence.

LV Criminal defense has provided representation to defendants accused of sexual assault crimes. We understand how to help you introduce doubt and raise defenses regarding whether you actually committed sexual assault and we will work closely with you to help you fight the charges against you so you can get the best outcomes possible. When you need a committed advocate on your side to help you navigate the criminal justice system, our firm is the Nevada defense firm to turn to. Give us a call today to find out more about how we can help.

Nevada Revised Statute section 200.366: Sexual Assault Defined

The Nevada law defining sexual assault crimes and setting the penalty for sexual assault is found in Nevada Revised Statute section 200.366.

According to the relevant law, a person who sexually penetrates, or causes to be sexually penetrated an unwilling person or a person who cannot consent, is guilty of committing the offense of sexual assault. Except in certain circumstances defined by statute, a person who commits a sexual assault can be found guilty of a Category A felony if convicted.

If the victim of a sexual assault suffers substantial bodily harm as a result of the defendant’s actions in committing the crime, the defendant can be penalized with life in prison without the possibility of parole or to life in prison with the possibility of parole after a minimum 15-year term of incarceration. If the victim is under 16 and suffers substantial bodily harm, then the defendant must be sentenced to imprisonment for life with no possibility of parole.

If the victim did not experience substantial bodily harm as a result of the defendant’s conduct, the defendant convicted of sexual assault could be sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after a minimum 10-year term of incarceration. However, if the victim is under the age of 16 and suffers no bodily harm from the assault, the punishment is life imprison with the possibility of parole after 25 years and if the victim is under 14, the punishment is life imprisonment with the possibility of the role after 35 years.

If the convicted defendant has a prior record of sexual assault or another offense against a child such as incest, lewdness, sadomasochistic abuse, or luring a child, the defendant can also be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole if the victim was under 16.