Introduction Having a criminal record can have a lasting impact on various aspects of life, from employment opportunities to housing…
Our Mission
Simplifying the Path to a Clean Slate**REAL RECORDS is a dedicated Document Preparation Service, not a law firm.** We specialize in navigating the often-confusing, paperwork-intensive process of criminal record sealing and expungement in Nevada. Our role is to meticulously research eligibility requirements, draft all necessary court petitions and legal documents with precision, and ensure they are ready for submission to the court. We work closely with the community, collaborating with organizations across Las Vegas and Nevada to offer education, resources, and affordable document preparation services. We are here to simplify the complex legal paperwork, helping eligible individuals confidently take the necessary steps to seal their criminal records and regain opportunities.
Disclaimer: We are Document Preparers and cannot provide legal advice or represent clients in court.
How to Seal Your Criminal Record in Nevada
Step-by-Step Guide
By: REAL RECORDS Team | November 4, 2025 | Category: Record Sealing
Achieve Your Clean Slate: Understanding the Nevada Record Sealing Process
Simplifying the Path to a Clean Slate**REAL RECORDS is a dedicated Document Preparation Service, not a law firm.** We specialize in navigating the often-confusing, paperwork-intensive process of criminal record sealing and expungement in Nevada. Our role is to meticulously research eligibility requirements, draft all necessary court petitions and legal documents with precision, and ensure they are ready for submission to the court. We work closely with the community, collaborating with organizations across Las Vegas and Nevada to offer education, resources, and affordable document preparation services. We are here to simplify the complex legal paperwork, helping eligible individuals confidently take the necessary steps to seal their criminal records and regain opportunities.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Waiting Periods
Before any paperwork can be filed, you must confirm you are eligible. Eligibility is based on two main factors:
- Final Disposition: Your case must be fully closed and adjudicated (e.g., dismissed, convicted, or plea completed).
- Mandatory Waiting Period: Nevada law requires a specific amount of time to pass since the close of your case (or release from custody/parole, whichever is later). This waiting period varies greatly depending on the type of offense:
- Dismissed Cases/Acquittals: Usually eligible immediately.
- Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses: 1 year.
- Certain Gross Misdemeanors (e.g., Cat E Felonies): 2 years.
- Category C, B, or A Felonies: Can be as long as 15 years.
- Open to Sealing: Not all offenses are eligible for record sealing services (e.g., certain sexual offenses).
Step 2: Acquire Certified Criminal History Records
To prepare the necessary documents, you need an official, certified copy of your criminal history for every court where you had a case.
- Full History Required: This means obtaining records from the police department (S.T.O.P. Report) and the specific court (Justice Court, Municipal Court, District Court) that handled the offense.
- Documentation is Key: This step is crucial, as the court requires precise dates and case numbers to prove you have met the waiting period for record expungement.
Step 3: Prepare and Draft All Legal Documents
This is where the process becomes detail-oriented and where REAL RECORDS provides essential value as a document preparation service. This step involves creating several complex documents that must be properly titled, formatted, and notarized according to Nevada court rules:
- Petition to Seal Records: The formal request to the court, detailing the case, date of disposition, and why you are eligible.
- Order Sealing Records: The document the Judge signs if they grant your record sealing request.
- Affidavits and Declarations: Documents where you declare under penalty of perjury that all fines, restitution, and conditions have been met.
REAL RECORDS FOCUS: We ensure every form is accurately completed, free of common errors, and tailored to the specifics of your case, maximizing the chances of a favorable outcome.
Step 4: File the Petition with the Court
Once the documents are prepared and notarized, they must be officially filed with the court that originally handled the case.
- Filing Fees: Court filing fees must be paid at this time.
- Service: In many cases, the Petition must be served (formally delivered) to the prosecuting agency (e.g., the District Attorney or City Attorney) and the law enforcement agency involved.
Step 5: The District Attorney (DA) Review Period
After the Petition is filed and served, the prosecuting agency has a specific period (usually 30–45 days) to review the file.
- No Opposition: If the DA agrees you meet all requirements, they may file a “Non-Opposition.” The Judge can then sign the Order without a hearing.
- Opposition: If the DA files an “Opposition” (which is rare but happens), a court hearing will be scheduled.
Step 6: The Judge Reviews and Signs the Order
The final stage is the judicial review.
- Hearing (If Necessary): If a hearing is held, the Judge decides whether to grant the record sealing based on your rehabilitation efforts and eligibility.
- Order Signed: Once the Judge signs the Order Sealing Records, the record is officially sealed.
Step 7: Final Distribution of the Order
The final court-signed Order must be properly distributed to various state and local agencies (e.g., the Nevada Department of Public Safety, the FBI, police departments, and the courts) to notify them to physically seal or destroy the records.
REAL RECORDS VALUE: We guide you through every step, ensuring the documents are accurate for the initial filing and that the final order is distributed to all mandatory agencies, truly completing the process and delivering on your record clearing goal.
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