NRS 202.540: Dangerous Exhibitions—What It Means and Penalties

Entertainment has long been the foundation of Nevada’s economy, serving as the backbone of the state’s growth and prosperity.

It’s no surprise that both individuals and businesses are constantly seeking the latest and most innovative trends in entertainment to generate income. This pursuit often leads to some truly unconventional ideas—just take a stroll down Fremont Street, and you’ll witness firsthand the creative and sometimes wild concepts people bring to life.

It’s not just about the wild costumes or eccentric characters—Fremont Street is alive with people showcasing everything from painting to acrobatics. It’s a vibrant, chaotic hub where individuals use any skill, big or small, to make a living.

If you walk past Carnival Court by Harrah’s on the Strip, keep an eye out—you’ll probably spot a man in the biggest Transformer costume you’ve ever seen, just like in the movies. No matter how hot it gets, he’s always there, ready to impress.

Street performers can be a mixed experience for locals and tourists—some may find them bothersome, while others enjoy capturing photos with them as a keepsake from their trip.

Most people don’t realize however that Nevada has laws about performances and exhibitions  to protect the public from harm. Most of the street performers just dress up and try to get you to take a photo for a tip.

However, there are street performers that want to push the envelope and boundaries to be extreme. In Nevada it is illegal to perform dangerous exhibitions in certain places. This includes exhibitions that involve sharp instruments or firearms that are pointed at people. This may seem like something that isn’t a big deal, however there is a chance that someone could be injured or if a firearm is present a person could even be killed.

There have been several cases in recent years that have made the news involving shootings that took place for the sake of entertainment and resulted in someone’s death. Some of the people involved have been convicted of crimes even though they never intended to hurt anyone.

This might seem like a minor issue if no one is hurt, but being convicted of the crime of dangerous exhibitions could still lead to jail time. If someone is seriously injured or killed, the consequences become much more severe, potentially resulting in additional charges.

Charges like these are complicated, you should consult with a defense lawyer to help understand the charges and consequences you could face.

What Does Dangerous Exhibitions Mean?

Nevada law defines a “dangerous exhibition” as a display of skill that poses a significant risk to others, making it illegal. Examples include exhibitions where sharp objects, such as axes, are thrown toward a person, or when a bow, firearm, or similar weapon is aimed or shot in someone’s direction. The key distinction is that the risk arises from demonstrating these skills while directing the weapon toward another person.

However, performances like sword swallowing are not considered dangerous exhibitions under this law. The sword even though it is a sharp object and you are conducting an exhibition is not being thrown or pointed at another human it is only brought pointed or directed at you. 

It is important to understand the difference and what is prohibited in connection with dangerous exhibitions to avoid being charged with a crime or face penalties if your property was used for the exhibitions. 

Who Can Be Charged with Dangerous Exhibitions

In most cases, crimes can involve multiple individuals, but this situation typically involves a single person or business. Interestingly, participants in a Dangerous Exhibition are not considered guilty of a crime under NRS 202.540. The responsibility, instead, lies with the property owner or proprietor of the venue where the Dangerous Exhibition took place.

What Are the Penalties

This offense is classified as a misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties that include:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines of up to $1,000

While these penalties may appear relatively minor, it’s important to note that a conviction will leave you with a permanent criminal record. Additionally, if the incident results in serious injury to another person, you could face significantly more severe charges.

Other Penalties You May Face

If a gun is fired at a dangerous exhibition into a crowd or populated area near a building or vehicle, you could be charged with a Category B felony. 

The penalties include:

• 2 to 15 years in prison
• Up to $5000 in fines 

With a criminal record, your opportunities for employment and housing may be limited even if the conviction is just a misdemeanor. 

In Nevada, many places like casinos do extensive background checks and won’t hire anyone with a criminal conviction regardless of how minor. 

If you are currently employed and your employer finds out that you have been convicted of a crime, your employment could be terminated. 

Most companies have a morality clause or a clause about being convicted of a crime. If you belong to a professional association or are in a profession that requires a license you could lose your license or your professional association. Always consult with a lawyer before dealing with any criminal charges. These charges no matter how minor can have extreme consequences that can change your life. 

Our firm can help. The Defenders has a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys who are ready to fight for your rights and protect your future. We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and intimidating, but we are here to guide you through the legal process and provide you with the best possible outcome.

Contact our office today for a free case evaluation.

What Are the Defenses Against a Dangerous Exhibition Charge?

Your defense attorney will devise a strategy to either get the charges dismissed or reduced based on the circumstances of the case. Some common defenses used against a charge of dangerous exhibitions are:

No Sharp Instruments Used

If the items used in the exhibition are rubber or fake and cannot cause harm, charges should be dismissed. Under NRS 202.540, if your lawyer can prove the objects were non-lethal, then no violation has occurred, and the charges should be dropped.

Using Blanks in a Gun Show

If blank bullets or rubber-tipped arrows were used in a gun or bow exhibition, there is no public danger, and charges should be dropped. However, property or venue owners must verify the items being used, as mistakes involving real bullets in place of blanks have caused severe injuries or fatalities in the past.

No Knowledge Of The Dangerous Exhibition

If you’re the land or venue owner and had no knowledge of the exhibition, you should not face charges. Without awareness of the event, you cannot be held responsible for allowing it to take place, which is the basis for the charge.

Lack Of Evidence

For any criminal charge, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If they lack sufficient evidence to meet this burden of proof, the charges should be dismissed.

Every criminal case is unique, with its own set of circumstances and challenges. At The Defenders, our firm has the resources and experience needed to build a strong defense and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Related Crimes to Dangerous Exhibitions

NRS 201.253: Prohibits Obscene Shows or Performances

It might come as a surprise, but this law exists in Las Vegas. In Nevada, it is considered a crime to knowingly participate in or facilitate an obscene performance.

For a show to obscene it must meet the following:

• The average person applying community standards would find the performance appeals to prurient interest, and 
• The performance as a whole lacks literary, artistic, political or scientific value, and
• The performance does one of the following:

1. Depicts or describes in an offensive way ultimate sexual acts, normal, perverted, actual or simulated.
2. Depicts or describes in an offensive way masturbation , excretory functions, sadism or masochism, or 
3. Lewd exhibits the genitalia

What is considered obscene at an exhibition is open to interpretation and since Vegas shows are not considered obscene to meet the standards for unlawfully obscene the standards are very high.

The penalties for this misdemeanor are:

• Up to 6 months in jail, and/or 
• Up to a $1000 fine 

Again, these charges for obscene exhibitions can lead to a conviction and a criminal record. These charges can also lead to other charges that are more serious with more serious penalties. Always consult with a defense lawyer if you are facing any criminal charges.

How Can the Defenders Help You?

The Defenders law firm in Las Vegas has been representing clients with an array of criminal charges for years. Our team represents clients for all types of charges including dangerous exhibitions and obscene performances. 

We also represent clients for everything from DUI or fraud, drug offenses as well as more severe charges like murder. 

Our team will take on your case and devote our time to preparing a strategic defense to fight the charges against you. 

Don’t leave your freedom and future up to a public defender. Public Defenders are often overwhelmed with cases and may not even meet their client until the first court appearance. 

You want a legal team that has the time and staff to focus on you and your charges. 

Our team will investigate the charges against you and from our investigation will come up with a strategic defense plan to fight the charges against you. 

We can negotiate a charge reduction or penalty reduction based on evidence. 

Our ultimate goal is to get the charges dropped or dismissed. 

If you have been charged with a crime including dangerous exhibitions call The Defenders for a consultation appointment. 

If you are out of state you still need a Nevada based attorney to represent you in court. Our team represents both Nevada residents as well as out of state clients.

Call our firm today to discuss your specific situation.

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