New Nevada laws removing or extending statutes of limitations for sex crimes and updating the definition of advancing prostitution have paved the way for more sexual abuse and trafficking claims. The new laws, coupled with the current #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, have increased the number of sex crime victims coming forward with sexual abuse or trafficking allegations.
An Overview of the New Nevada Laws
No Time Limit for Sexual Assault Under Specific Circumstances
Under the 2019 Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 171.082, there is no time limit for criminal prosecution of sexual assault if DNA evidence establishes the identity of the perpetrator. There is also no statute of limitations if the alleged sexual assault victim filed a report with law enforcement officers within 20 years of the purported rape.
In these two scenarios, criminal prosecutions can commence anytime. Otherwise, sexual assault crimes have a twenty-year criminal statute of limitation in Nevada.
Extended Time Limit for Sex-Trafficking Crimes
Assembly Bill 113 that became effective on July 1, 2021, addresses sex-trafficking crimes in Nevada. The bill raises the statute of limitations for these crimes from four years to six years. Section 5 of the bill clarifies that the extension applies to only relevant statutes of limitations that were active as of July 1, 2021, or those that commenced on or after July 1, 2021.
Considering the gravity of sex-trafficking crimes, a six-year time limit is still a short time. It’s, however, a key step towards helping rape victims find justice and pursue compensation for their injuries and damages.
A rape victim pursuing compensation through a civil claim against the alleged perpetrator should have a personal injury lawyer on his or her side to stand a better chance at getting a favorable outcome. A knowledgeable lawyer will explain to the rape victim the legal rights and options available to him or her. The lawyer will also advise the victim regarding the most appropriate course of action depending on the facts of the injury case.
Changing What Constitutes “Advancing Prostitution”
Assembly Bill 182 that took effect on October 1, 2021, addresses illegal prostitution in Nevada. The law has changed what constitutes advancing prostitution. Under the new law, owners of properties where illegal prostitution happens may face advancing prostitution charges. Once enforced, hotel properties and casinos that allow illegal prostitution to occur could lose business licenses among other stiff penalties.
