Goodsprings Justice Court is located at 23120 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Jean, NV 89019, about 12 miles from the Nevada-California border.
The telephone number is (702) 874-1405. The email is [email protected]. And hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
In this article our Nevada criminal defense attorneys answer these frequently-asked-questions:
- 1. What cases are in Goodsprings Justice Court?
- 2. Can I find my case information online?
- 3. Do I have to pay fines in person?
- 4. What if the fine is too expensive to pay?
- 5. I missed court. Now what?
- 6. Can I get a public defender?
- 7. Where do I park?
- 8. Can I dress casually?
- 9. What if I do not speak English well?
- 10. Is the courthouse a gun-free zone?
- 11. When can I seal my criminal records?
- 12. Can I appeal my case?
1. What cases are in Goodsprings Justice Court?
Goodsprings Township Justice Court (GJC) hears the following cases:
- All criminal matter originating in Goodsprings, Jean, Sandy Valley, and Primm. Most of these cases are misdemeanors, especially traffic tickets from speeding on the I-15 or S Las Vegas Blvd. Any felony and gross misdemeanor charges that to not settle in GJC will get bound over (transferred) to the Eighth Judicial District Court in downtown, Las Vegas.
- Restraining orders other than domestic violence TPOs, which are issued through Family Court in Las Vegas.
- Landlord/tenant disputes and evictions
- Small claims lawsuits involving up to $10,000
- Civil lawsuits involving up to $15,000
Note that traffic court is held every Wednesday at 9:30 AM.
2. Can I find my case information online?
Yes. Go to the GJC website for the most current case information. People may search by their name, citation number, or case number.
3. Do I have to pay fines in person?
No. You can pay by Visa or MasterCard credit or debit through the GJC website. Otherwise, people may pay in person at:
23120 Las Vegas Blvd So
Jean, NV 89019
The clerk accepts credit and debit cards (MasterCard or Visa), cashier checks, money orders, personal checks, business checks, or cash. Make all forms of payment out to Goodsprings Justice Court, and write the citation number on it.
People can also submit payment by mail at:
PO Box 19155
Jean, NV 89019
But call the clerk at (702) 874-1405 for acceptable forms of payment through the mail.
4. What if the fine is too expensive to pay?
Defendants can ask the judge for permission to do community service in place of paying fines. One hour of service takes $10 off the total owed.
Payment plans are also available for a $10 fee. Or the judge may also be willing to grant an extension on the deadline to pay, especially in light of COVID-19. Call the clerk at (702) 874-1405 for more information.
5. I missed court. Now what?
Defendants in criminal cases can check online at the GJC website to see if a bench warrant has been issued for their arrest. If so, they can hire a Goodsprings criminal defense attorney to file a motion to quash the bench warrant. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the judge will usually recall the warrant without the defendant having to appear at the warrant hearing.
Parties in civil cases who miss court will not get a warrant. But the judge may order a default judgment, which may make their wages vulnerable to garnishment.
6. Can I get a public defender?
The judge will appoint criminal defendants a public defender if they cannot afford to hire private counsel.
7. Where do I park?
Right outside the main entrance. Parking is free.
8. Can I dress casually?
Yes, but no tank tops, shorts, clothes with offensive writing, hats, or bare feet.
9. What if I do not speak English well?
To reserve a translator for a court appearance, call the Clark County Court Interpreter’s Office at (702) 455-4279.
10. Is the courthouse a gun-free zone?
Yes. And there are metal detectors at the entrance. Leave any firearms at home.
11. When can I seal my criminal records?
It depends on the case. Dismissed charges can be sealed immediately. But there is always a wait for convictions. And certain convictions are unsealable.
| Conviction in Nevada | Waiting period for a record seal after the case closes |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanors (with some exceptions – see below) | 1 year |
| Gross misdemeanors, category E felonies, and misdemeanor battery, harassment, stalking, or violation of a protection order | 2 years |
| Category D felonies, category C felonies, or category B felonies (with some exceptions – see below) | 5 years |
| Misdemeanor DUI and battery domestic violence | 7 years |
| Category A felonies, burglary of a residence, and felony crimes of violence | 10 years |
| Certain sex crimes, crimes against children, invasion of the home with a deadly weapon, and felony DUI. | Never |
Defendants are advised to hire an attorney to seal criminal records, which is a long and confusing process.
12. Can I appeal my case?
GJC trial verdicts may be appealed to the Clark County (8th Judicial) District Court, located at 200 Lewis Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Meanwhile, district court verdicts can be appealed to the Nevada Supreme Court.
Helpful Links
- Goodsprings Justice Court official site
- Forms
- Bail schedule
- Fee schedule
- Traffic School
- Record Seal handbook
- Clark County District Attorney
- www.clarkcountynv.gov
