Nevada does not offer criminal record expungements, only record seals.
Expungements and seals have the same effect: Giving you a clean background check. Though whereas expungements physically destroy your records, sealing just makes your records invisible to most people.
I highly recommend getting your records sealed as soon as you are eligible. It greatly increases your opportunities for jobs, housing, education, and loans.
How do I seal my record?
Each Nevada court has its own record sealing procedures. In general, record sealing is a five-step process:
- Purchase a copy of your criminal record from the police (called a “SCOPE”). It may also be necessary to buy a copy of your record from the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Criminal History Repository in Carson City.
- Write the petition to seal your record. Many courts have sample forms on their website that you can use.
- Submit the petition and all supporting documentation to the applicable prosecutor.
- If the prosecutor approves the petition, you then file the paperwork with the court.
- If the court grants the petition, you mail a copy of the signed court order to each government agency that has a copy of your criminal record, such as:
- the police department,
- the prosecutor’s office, and
- the Criminal History Repository in Carson City.
Between obtaining copies of your record, court filing costs, and mailing expenses, record seals will set you back about $150.
How long is the process?
From beginning to end, it can take up to a year to get your record sealed. This is because the prosecutors’ office, the courts, and government agencies are very backlogged.
In rare cases, the judge may order a hearing before they decide whether to seal your record. Though as long as the prosecutors have no objection, the judge will likely grant your petition.
How soon can I get a record seal?
If your Nevada criminal charge gets dismissed, you can petition for a record seal immediately.
If you get convicted – either through a plea or a trial verdict – there is a mandatory waiting period before your record can be sealed, as this chart shows.
| Nevada Conviction | Waiting Period for Record Sealing |
|
1 year after your case closes |
|
2 years after your case closes |
|
5 years after your case closes |
|
7 years after your case closes |
|
10 years after your case closes |
|
Never |
Do I need a lawyer?
I cannot recommend enough hiring an experienced Nevada record seal attorney to manage every step for you.
Sealing records is a paperwork-heavy, time-intensive, confusing and technical ordeal. So many of my clients tried to seal their records themselves, only to have their petitions rejected for minor procedural errors — setting them back several more months.
I have streamlined the record sealing process so that we get it right on the first try and as quickly as possible. In the unlikely even the judge requires a hearing, I can appear on your behalf and fight for your right to have a clean record.
Additional Reading
For more information, refer to our related articles:
- What Nevada convictions can never be sealed?
- 10 ways sealed records differ from Governor’s pardons in Nevada
- How to seal domestic violence criminal records in Nevada
- How to seal DUI criminal records in Nevada
- How much does it cost to seal my criminal record in Nevada?
