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A detective may ask why you booked a room, what account sent a message, or what payment was made for. These types of questions may seem mundane but in the context of a pandering investigation, these answers can form the basis of a felony charge for encouraging another adult to engage in prostitution.
Nick Wooldridge represents people facing pandering and related charges in Las Vegas and throughout Clark County. If detectives want an interview or access to your phone, talk with a lawyer before answering questions or agreeing to a voluntary search.
Save your messages, payment records and any paperwork police gave you. Call 702-623-6362 or request a free consultation.
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We first identify the specific act the prosecution calls inducement to engage in prostitution by another adult. We then identify the words or actions that constituted the inducement to engage in prostitution by another adult. We then identify who heard or read the words or actions of the alleged inducer. Finally, we identify the events that preceded and succeeded the alleged words or actions of the alleged inducer.
The message “I can get you a room” can be connected to the request for accommodation, the booking of companionship or the offer of paid sexual services. We analyze the original thread including all its replies, timestamps and attachments. If an ad or an account is linked to the suspect by the police, we check who created the ad/account, who is able to log in and what links the suspect to the message in question.
A transfer of money is separate from the source and purpose of the transfer. To determine if a payment fits into the State’s account, the amount, date and sender of the transfer are compared to relevant receipts, booking records and messages. A claim that the defendant arranged an encounter or received a share of the money is checked against what the witness saw and whether other records support the witness’s version of events.
Nick Wooldridge has a long track record of representing clients accused of serious federal and state crimes in Nevada.
If the State relies on the testimony of a legal accomplice, Nevada requires corroborating evidence that tends to connect the defendant to the crime.
We compare what the police took to what the search warrant authorized or what you consented to for the search. Generally, the police need a search warrant to search the digital contents of a phone seized incident to arrest, subject to several exceptions. We then determine whether to seek exclusion of the evidence that police obtained by exceeding their search authority. See the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Riley v. California.
In a sting operation, we compare the recording of the incident with the officer’s written report. If after the defendant has declined to participate, the officer continues to push the defendant to do so, that part of the conversation may be relevant to the issue of whether the defendant was predisposed to commit the offense before the government’s conduct induced the defendant to do so.
This issue is to be determined in light of all the relevant circumstances, and who made first contact is but one such circumstance. Martinez v. State, 127 Nev. 479, 482, 258 P.3d 1032, 1034 (Nev. 2011).
In order to be found guilty of pandering under NRS 201.300(1) the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you induced an adult, eighteen years or older, to engage in, or continue in, unlawful prostitution, or to go to a place in the State of Nevada where prostitution is practiced, encouraged or allowed for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct or prostitution. Pandering, as defined in this subsection, is conduct that is committed without physical force or the threat of physical force.
When I initially met with Mr. Wooldridge, he took the opportunity to sit and go over my problem with me. He described details in my case which he found disturbing and explained why he I should have him on my side.
The statute expressly excludes the customer of a prostitute. Allegations that you sought paid sexual services as a customer are addressed under Nevada’s prostitution and solicitation laws.
The other person’s consent to an act of prostitution is also barred as a defense. The question for the defense is what the State can prove you did to persuade or encourage the other person.
People often use “pimping” for several different accusations. If that word came up during an arrest, check the statute and subsection listed for each count. The same conversation or payment can be used to support more than one allegation.
| Charge | What the State focuses on | A question for the defense |
|---|---|---|
| Pandering NRS 201.300(1) |
Alleged inducement of an adult without physical force or an immediate threat of it. | What did you allegedly say or do to encourage prostitution? |
| Living from the earnings of a prostitute (“pimping”) NRS 201.320 |
Knowingly taking prostitution proceeds without giving value in return. | Where did the money come from, and what did the payment cover? |
| Sex trafficking NRS 201.300(2) |
Separate forms of conduct, including recruiting a child for prostitution or using fraud or coercion to induce someone into it. | Which theory is charged, and what evidence supports its specific elements? |
See our guide to NRS 201.300 for a subsection-by-subsection explanation. If the paperwork lists subsection 2, our Las Vegas sex trafficking defense page explains the separate penalties and what changes when the charge involves a child.
Pandering is a category C felony. Nevada’s felony sentencing law sets a prison range of 1 to 5 years and allows a fine of up to $10,000.
The judge can grant probation for an eligible pandering conviction under NRS 176A.100. We will outline the probation conditions, as well as the evidence that can support a request for probation. Other charges and/or sentencing restrictions may also affect the court’s decision.
Nevada’s registration law expressly lists sex trafficking. It also has broader provisions that look to an offense’s elements or a finding of sexual motivation. Before you consider a plea, we review the exact proposed conviction, any other counts and any findings that could trigger registration.
For an eligible category C conviction, Nevada’s general waiting period is five years after release from custody or discharge from probation or parole, whichever comes later. If the case ends in dismissal or acquittal, different rules apply. See our Nevada record sealing guide for those procedures.
The LVMPD Vice Section investigates pandering across the Las Vegas Valley. A case that starts at a hotel on the Strip in Paradise may have a different investigating agency or township court from one that starts in Henderson or North Las Vegas. For a Downtown Las Vegas incident, a Fremont Street address can help narrow down which cameras covered the area. Save the exact addresses, hotel confirmations and dates. Those details can help identify where to request video, room records or dispatch records before they are overwritten.
During a pre-file investigation, counsel can contact the investigators on your behalf. Additionally, counsel can determine whether it would be wise to present certain evidence to prosecutors before they make a charging decision. It is best to retain all of the original chats and receipts. Let your lawyer contact the witnesses and follow any court-ordered release conditions or no-contact orders.
If the case begins in Justice Court, the judge at a preliminary hearing decides whether there is probable cause to send it to District Court. A grand jury indictment can bring the charge directly to the Eighth Judicial District Court. Check your hearing notice for the court and date, especially if you live outside Nevada. Once we have the State’s evidence, we can assess whether to seek dismissal, challenge evidence, discuss a reduction or prepare for trial. Tell us early if your immigration status or professional license could be affected by a plea.
Yes. The pandering count alleges the inducement of another to engage in prostitution. There is no requirement that the State allege payment to you. If the State also alleges that you are living off the proceeds of prostitution, then the State would have to prove that allegation as well.
Yes. NRS 201.351 allows the State to proceed with forfeiture of any assets alleged to be used in or derived from the commission of the offense. Preserve the seizure inventory as well as any forfeiture notice served upon the defendant. These documents will allow counsel to ascertain which property the State is attempting to forfeit and the deadline for filing a response.
Bring the complaint, warrant or release paperwork if you have it, along with the date of your next hearing. If all you have is a detective’s voicemail, start there.
Call LV Criminal Defense at 702-623-6362 or request a free consultation.
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