NRS 200.737 is the Nevada law that prohibits minors under the age of 18 from engaging in sexting. State law defines sexting as sending sexual images by way of electronic means, including cell phone text messaging or e-mail. This is considered a delinquent act that can lead to the minor being placed in custody for up to 6 months.

The statute states:

A minor shall not knowingly and willfully use an electronic communication device to transmit or distribute a sexual image of himself or herself to another person.

“Sexual image” under NRS 200.737 means any visual depiction, including, without limitation, any photograph or video, of a minor simulating or engaging in sexual conduct or of a minor as the subject of a sexual portrayal.

Is teen sexting illegal in Nevada?

NRS 200.737 makes it unlawful for a minor to knowingly and willfully:

• Use an electronic communication device to transmit or distribute a sexual image of himself or herself to another person;
• Use an electronic communication device to transmit or distribute a sexual image of another minor who is older than, the same age as, or not more than 4 years younger than the minor transmitting the sexual image; or
• Possess a sexual image that was transmitted or distributed as described above if the minor who is the subject of the sexual image is older than, the same age as or not more than 4 years younger than the minor who possesses the sexual image.

Before the passage of NRS 200.737 in 2011, teenagers could only be charged with sexting under Nevada’s child pornography laws.

This left prosecutors without options to deter sexting by teens other than by subjecting them to the same severe consequences as adults who make and distribute child pornography.

What are the penalties for teen sexting under NRS 202.737?

If you’re a teen, a first offense for sending a sexual image of yourself or any offense for possessing a sexual image of someone else is not a crime.

It can, however, get you labeled a “child in need of supervision” by the Nevada Division of Child and Family Services. You may be ordered to pay a fine or perform community service, but will not be labeled a “delinquent child” and will not be subject to registration or community notification as a juvenile sex offender.

You commit a “delinquent act” however when:

• You commit a second or subsequent offense of sexting an image of yourself, or
• You commit any offense that involves transmitting or distributing a sexual image of another minor, as described above.

A delinquent act is the juvenile equivalent of a misdemeanor and the court may order your detention for up to 6 months at the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center in Las Vegas or another juvenile detention facility.

However, you will not be considered a sex offender or be subject to registration or community notification as a juvenile sex offender.

What are the defenses to the charges?

Fortunately, there are a number of defenses that can apply to Nevada teen sexting offenses. Common defenses include (but are not limited to):

• You didn’t know you had the image on your phone or computer;
• You didn’t intentionally send the image;
• You weren’t the one that took or sent the photo;
• The person in the photo wasn’t a minor;
• The person in the photo was more than 4 years younger than you; or
• You did not request the image, never shared it, and promptly destroyed it or reported it to police or school officials.

Call us for help…

If you or your child has been charged with sending or possessing sexual images of a minor under NRS 200.737, we invite you to contact us for a consultation.

Our caring Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada criminal defense lawyers understand what it’s like to be a teen. Innocent people get accused of sexting. And anyone can make a mistake.

To schedule your consultation, call us or fill out the form on this page.

One of our Reno or Las Vegas criminal lawyers will get back to you promptly to discuss the best defenses to your Nevada sexting charges.

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