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WHAT IS STATUTORY SEXUAL SEDUCTION (AGE OF CONSENT) IN NEVADA?
Statutory sexual seduction — commonly called statutory rape — occurs when a person age 18 or older engages in sexual intercourse or sexual penetration with a person who is 14 or 15 years old. Nevada's age of consent is 16. This offense applies even if the minor consented.
WHAT THE PROSECUTION MUST PROVE
To convict you of Statutory Sexual Seduction (Age of Consent) in Nevada, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
The defendant was 18 years of age or older
The defendant engaged in sexual intercourse or sexual penetration with the victim
The victim was 14 or 15 years old at the time
If the prosecution cannot prove any single element beyond a reasonable doubt, you cannot be convicted.
PENALTIES FOR STATUTORY SEXUAL SEDUCTION (AGE OF CONSENT) IN NEVADA
Defendant Age 21 or Older
Category B felony. 1 to 10 years in prison.
Defendant Age 18-20
Gross misdemeanor. Up to 364 days in jail and/or up to $2,000 fine.
Additional
Sex offender registration may be required.
THOMAS'S DEFENSE TIPS
Insights from Thomas Boley — Las Vegas criminal defense attorney with 18+ years defending statutory sexual seduction (age of consent) charges
A genuine mistake about the victim's age can be a defense in Nevada — if you reasonably believed the person was 16 or older based on their appearance, statements, or the circumstances, this may negate criminal intent.
The age gap between the parties matters significantly. Nevada treats an 18-year-old with a 15-year-old very differently from a 30-year-old with a 14-year-old — both legally and in terms of prosecutorial discretion.
These cases often involve social media evidence — texts, DMs, photos — that must be carefully reviewed. Digital evidence can both hurt and help the defense.
The above represents general observations from years of criminal defense practice in Nevada. Every case is different — contact Thomas for advice specific to your situation.
COMMON DEFENSES TO STATUTORY SEXUAL SEDUCTION (AGE OF CONSENT)
Every case is unique, but these are the defenses most commonly raised in statutory sexual seduction (age of consent) cases in Nevada:
Reasonable mistake of age — defendant genuinely believed victim was 16 or older
No sexual penetration occurred
False accusation
Insufficient evidence