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A criminal record in Las Vegas has the power to affect nearly every part of your life long after the case has ended. Even if the charges were dismissed, even if you completed probation years ago, and even if the incident happened decades in the past, your criminal history remains publicly accessible. Under Nevada law, employers, landlords, licensing boards, financial institutions, and government entities may review court records, arrest records, and entries from your Nevada criminal history at any time. Unless you take formal action through the record sealing process, your name continues appearing in background checks, online databases, and local law enforcement files.
This is because Nevada public record laws allow databases to display arrests, criminal charges, juvenile records, and past convictions, even when the case was ultimately dismissed. Your criminal history report, maintained by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Nevada Department of Public Safety, and other law enforcement agencies, continues to show your past involvement with the criminal justice system until you file a record sealing petition and receive a court order to seal records.
For countless individuals, this reality feels deeply unfair. A single mistake—or a wrongful arrest—can impact major life decisions, including employment, housing, education, and professional licensing. Fortunately, Nevada record sealing laws provide a path forward. When a judge orders your entire criminal record sealed, the information is removed from public access, allowing you to rebuild your life without being defined by your past.
This guide explains exactly how long the record sealing process takes in Nevada, how much it costs, why delays happen, and why working with an experienced Las Vegas record sealing attorney is essential for avoiding errors, objections, and months of unnecessary waiting.
Understanding What Record Sealing Means in Nevada
Record sealing in Nevada is one of the most powerful remedies available in the criminal justice system. When a court grants a petition to seal, your criminal record is hidden from public view. Once sealed, the public can no longer access your arrest records, court records, or documentation held by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Nevada Department of Public Safety, or any police agency involved in your arrest.
This means employers, landlords, private background check companies, and most government agencies cannot view your Nevada criminal record or any portion of your criminal history. After the judge signs the Order Sealing Records, you gain the legal right to state that you have not been arrested, charged, or convicted of the sealed offense. This is true for job interviews, rental applications, licensing procedures, and most background checks.
Only a limited number of exceptions exist. Certain law enforcement agencies, the district attorney’s office, and prosecutors investigating new cases may have access to sealed records under rare and specific circumstances.
The record sealing process applies to a broad range of offenses, including misdemeanor offenses, gross misdemeanors, category B felonies, category C felonies, category D felonies, category E felonies, and many dismissed charges. Juvenile records may also be sealed. Nevada Revised Statutes outline which offenses qualify, the statutory waiting period required, and which offenses—such as sexual assault, sex crimes, felony DUI, and crimes causing substantial bodily harm—can never be sealed.
Why Record Sealing Is Essential for a Fresh Start
Every year, thousands of employers in Las Vegas run background checks. The gaming, hospitality, tourism, healthcare, transportation, and security sectors have strict hiring policies, and many companies automatically reject applicants who have visible entries in their criminal records. Even arrests with no conviction can lead to immediate rejection.
Housing providers also rely on criminal background checks. Apartment complexes in Clark County, North Las Vegas, Henderson, and surrounding areas routinely deny applications from individuals with past felony convictions, gross misdemeanors, or controlled substance offenses—even if those incidents occurred decades ago.
Professional licensing boards use your Nevada criminal history when evaluating applications for real estate licenses, nursing licenses, cosmetology certifications, and dozens of other regulated professions. A visible criminal record often results in denial or lengthy delays.
Because of these barriers, record sealing is not just a helpful option—it is often essential. Individuals who seal their entire record often experience improved access to employment, housing, licensing, financial aid, and stability. Many describe feeling a renewed sense of confidence and dignity when past mistakes no longer appear on background checks.
How the Nevada Record Sealing Process Works
The record sealing process requires multiple steps and coordination between courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies. It begins with obtaining your Nevada criminal history report (SCOPE) from LVMPD or the Department of Public Safety. After reviewing your record, an attorney determines eligibility, confirms the required waiting period, and ensures the case does not involve non-sealable offenses such as sexual assault, felony DUI, or crimes causing substantial bodily harm.
Your attorney then gathers necessary documents—fingerprints, certified court records, and proof of case closure—and prepares the petition. The petition is filed in the correct court, where the district attorney reviews your record, verifies compliance with Nevada law, and either approves the petition or requests a hearing.
If the judge signs the Order Sealing Records, the order is sent to all relevant agencies, including LVMPD, the Department of Public Safety, and the arresting police department. Your record is officially sealed only after every agency updates its files.
How Long Does the Record Sealing Process Take in Las Vegas
In most cases, record sealing in Nevada takes between six months and twelve months. Several factors influence the timeline:
The type of offense matters significantly. Misdemeanor offenses and dismissed charges typically move faster, while category B felonies, category C felonies, and serious felony convictions require more extensive review.
The number of entries in your criminal history also affects the process. Multiple arrest records across different jurisdictions—such as North Las Vegas, Las Vegas, and Clark County—require separate review by each government agency.
Court backlog plays a major role. The Las Vegas Justice Court may process petitions faster than the District Court, which handles more complex criminal offenses.
The district attorney’s review period is often the most time-consuming stage. Prosecutors examine the criminal record, verify waiting periods, and check compliance with Nevada law. If the petition is incomplete, contains errors, or lacks required documents, the process is delayed.
Finally, after the Order Sealing Records is signed, each police department and law enforcement agency must update their databases. Agencies such as the Nevada Department of Public Safety, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the police agencies each have their own processing times.
Understanding the Cost of Record Sealing in Las Vegas
The total cost of record sealing in Nevada varies based on several factors. Court filing fees change depending on the jurisdiction. Some courts charge minimal fees to process a record sealing petition, while others require higher administrative charges.
Fingerprinting and background check fees include the cost of obtaining the fingerprint card and the Nevada criminal history report from the Department of Public Safety.
Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the criminal record, the number of arrest records, and how many government agencies must be notified. Cases involving gross misdemeanors, multiple felony convictions, or category B felonies may require more extensive work.
Most clients spend between $900 and $2,900 for a complete sealing, an investment that is usually outweighed by long-term benefits such as improved employment opportunities, better housing accessibility, and increased privacy.
Which Records Cannot Be Sealed Under Nevada Law?
Nevada prohibits sealing certain offenses due to public safety concerns. These include sexual assault, sexual offenses, felony DUI, sex crimes involving minors, murder, kidnapping, and crimes causing substantial bodily harm. Some violent offenses involving deadly weapons also cannot be sealed.
If you are unsure whether your criminal offense qualifies for sealing, consult an experienced Las Vegas record sealing attorney who understands Nevada Revised Statutes and eligibility rules.
Why Working With a Las Vegas Record Sealing Attorney Matters
Nevada’s record sealing laws include strict requirements, technical documentation, and mandatory waiting periods. Many petitions are delayed or denied because they contain incomplete court records, incorrect waiting periods, or missing documents from the police agency that arrested.
Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney ensures your petition is accurate, complete, and legally sound. The Defense Firm helps clients verify eligibility, assemble documents, prepare petitions, communicate with district attorneys, and ensure every law enforcement agency complies with the Order Sealing Records.
FAQ
How long does the record sealing process take in Nevada?
The record sealing process usually takes six to twelve months, depending on the offense, the court, and the district attorney’s review period.
How much does record sealing cost in Las Vegas?
Most people spend $900 to $2,900 total, including fingerprinting, the criminal history report, court fees, and representation by a record sealing attorney.
Can felony convictions be sealed in Nevada?
Yes, many felony convictions can be sealed after the statutory waiting period, except for unsealable crimes like felony DUI, sexual assault, and violent offenses involving substantial bodily harm.
What records cannot be sealed under Nevada law?
Nevada prohibits sealing sexual offenses, murder, kidnapping, sex crimes involving minors, felony DUI, and offenses involving deadly weapons.
Do sealed records appear on background checks in Nevada?
Once a court order sealing records is issued, sealed information does not appear on standard background checks, and you may legally state you were not arrested or convicted.
Conclusion
Sealing your criminal record in Nevada is one of the most transformative steps you can take. Although the process involves multiple government agencies, strict Nevada law requirements, and extensive documentation, the long-term benefits far outweigh the challenges. A sealed record restores your privacy, expands your opportunities, and allows you to move forward free from the weight of past mistakes.
Your past does not define your future—your actions today do. The Defense Firm is committed to guiding you through every stage of the record sealing process and ensuring your petition is handled with expertise, precision, and care.
If you’re ready to seal your criminal record in Las Vegas, contact The Defense Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced Nevada record sealing attorney who will protect your rights and help you reclaim your future.