NRS 199.290: Compounding Crimes—Definition, Examples, & Penalties

Compounding crimes is a complex legal issue that involves hiding or complicating criminal activities for personal gain, obstructing justice. It’s a serious offense that often goes unnoticed. When someone conceals a crime or accepts payment to not report it, they are participating in this unlawful practice.

In Nevada, NRS 199.290 addresses this by classifying it as a crime against public justice.

This article will define compounding crimes, discuss examples of this offense, and highlight the penalties for committing it in Nevada.

If you or anyone you know is facing criminal charges of any kind, it’s crucial to hire a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and build a strong defense. The Defenders is a trusted law firm in Nevada with experienced attorneys who can provide the right legal representation for your case.

Contact us today to discuss your case.

Definition of Compounding Crimes

Compounding crimes refers to the act of knowingly and willfully concealing, altering, or delaying prosecution of any crime committed against the laws of Nevada. This includes failing to report a crime in exchange for money or other benefits.

The law reads:

A person who asks or receives, directly or indirectly, any compensation, gratuity or reward, or any promise thereof, upon an agreement or understanding that the person will compound or conceal a crime or violation of a statute, or abstain from testifying thereto, delay a prosecution therefor or withhold any evidence thereof, except in a case where a compromise is allowed by law

Key Elements

For an act to be classified as compounding a crime, there must be a pre-existing offense that the individual seeks to conceal. Without this underlying crime, there would be no motive to hide it.

The essential elements required for an act to qualify as compounding a crime include:

• Knowledge: The individual is aware of the underlying offense.
• Willful Intent: The individual deliberately engages in concealing or delaying the reporting of the crime.
• Compensation: The individual gains some form of benefit or compensation from their actions.

Additionally, there are exceptions to this law, which will be explored in the following section.

Exceptions

While the statute is comprehensive, there are exceptions. The law allows for cases where a compromise is permitted by law. However, these exceptions are limited, and it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorneys to understand if your situation falls under this category.

If you find yourself involved in a situation that might be considered compounding a crime, it’s essential to seek legal advice immediately. At The Defenders, we’re here to guide you through the complexities of Nevada’s legal system and protect your rights.

Examples of Compounding Crimes

Compounding crimes can take various forms, from concealing criminal behavior to accepting compensation for non-testimony. Some common examples include:

Concealing Criminal Behavior

One common form of compounding a crime involves the act of concealing or covering up criminal behavior.

For instance, if you witness a burglary at a storage facility and decide to agree to keep quiet about it in exchange for a share of the stolen goods, you would be actively compounding the crime. This means you are not only ignoring the wrongdoing but also participating in it by facilitating the criminal’s escape from accountability.

It’s important to note that this principle applies even if the underlying offense has not been proven in court yet, meaning that your involvement in the concealment itself can lead to criminal charges, regardless of the outcome of the initial crime.

Accepting Compensation for Non-Testimony

Another example is when someone accepts money or other forms of compensation in exchange for not testifying against a defendant. This could happen, for instance, if you were the only witness to a car theft and agreed not to testify in court in exchange for payment from the suspect. Or let’s say you’re a witness to a hit-and-run accident, and the driver offers you money to not come forward with your testimony.

Both examples would be considered compounding a crime, as you are using the concealment of evidence or your silence as leverage for personal gain.

Delaying Prosecution

Another form of this offense is when someone deliberately delays the prosecution of a criminal act. This could occur through false statements or withholding evidence to stall the investigation and prevent the discovery of evidence that could lead to an arrest.

For example, if you’re aware of evidence related to a crime and someone pays you to withhold this information temporarily, you’d be compounding the crime by impeding the legal process.

Penalties for Compounding Crimes in Nevada

At The Defenders, we understand the gravity of compounding crimes and the severe consequences they carry. In Nevada, the penalties for this offense are outlined in NRS 199.290 and can vary depending on the nature of the underlying crime.

Category D Felony Charges

If you’re found guilty of compounding a crime, you may face category D felony charges. This is the most serious penalty associated with this offense. The specific punishments for a category D felony are detailed in NRS 193.130, which specifies a prison term of one to four years and fines up to $5,000.

Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanor Penalties

In some cases, compounding crimes may result in misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges. This typically occurs when the agreement or understanding relates to a less severe offense or a violation of a statute that carries a pecuniary penalty or forfeiture.

Important Consideration About Compounding Crime Charges

When legal proceedings occur due to accusations of a compounding crime, it’s important to note that the prosecutor doesn’t need to prove that anyone has been convicted of the underlying offense or the violation of the statute related to the agreement. This means you could face charges for compounding a crime even if the original offense hasn’t been proven in court.

To illustrate this point, let’s consider a scenario:

If you’re accused of a compounding crime in connection with a robbery, it wouldn’t matter whether anyone had actually been convicted of the robbery or not. The focus is on your actions related to concealing or agreeing not to prosecute the crime, regardless of the outcome of the original offense.

Facing a Charge of Compounding a Crime? We Can Help!

At The Defenders, we have years of experience defending clients accused of compounding crimes in Nevada. Our team of skilled attorneys will thoroughly review your case and build a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.

Call our office today and let us help you navigate through this complex legal process. Remember, speaking with our lawyers is confidential and won’t result in any additional charges or complications.

Our attorneys have a deep understanding of Nevada’s criminal laws and will provide you with the expert guidance and support you need to navigate your case. When you don’t have an attorney representing you, there are a number of things that could go wrong. 

Prosecutors have a vast amount of resources available to them to find the necessary evidence to convict you. The Defenders are well versed in the prosecution’s tactics and can help you counter them aggressively. 

Contact our team today to discuss your case.

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