In Nevada, sealing your criminal record opens doors of opportunity that might otherwise stay shut. A seal makes your record invisible on background checks. That means that when you apply for a job or a loan, your record will not show up in most cases.
It also means that you don’t have to disclose your history to a potential employer. Put simply, a record seal gives you the best possible chance to move forward in life.
As you work to leave the past behind, you may wonder whether it’s ever possible for your sealed record to be reopened. The answer is yes, but only in very rare and limited cases.
When Can a Sealed Record Be Reopened?
Once your criminal record is sealed, Nevada law only permits it to be reopened under certain circumstances.
- If your charges were dismissed, a prosecutor could ask for the record to be reopened if you are later arrested for a similar crime.
- If you were convicted, a prosecutor or defense lawyer could petition to reopen the record if they are investigating other individuals involved in the crime.
- Certain agencies may inspect your criminal record to determine fitness for certain types of jobs or licenses.
- You can always petition the court to review your own criminal records.
Do I Have to Disclose My Criminal History If I Have a Sealed Record?
A sealed record is a chance to start over. Nevada recognizes that people who make mistakes face limited opportunities if their criminal records are accessible to potential landlords, employers, lenders, and others.
As part of the record sealing process, you can legally deny that you have a criminal history without fear of penalty. However, keep in mind there are certain instances where that may not be the best approach.
For example, agencies that run background checks through the FBI may see sealed records if they scan for fingerprints. Similarly, the Nevada Gaming Commission and Nevada Gaming Control Board can view applicants’ records if they apply for a gaming license.
If you deny that you have a record and are discovered to have one, you haven’t broken the law. However, you may have eroded the confidence that someone previously had in your trustworthiness. To better understand who may access your sealed criminal records, you should talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Contact Our Record Sealing Attorneys Today
Questions about getting your records sealed in Las Vegas? Reach out to a criminal defense lawyer at Adras & Altig today. We’ll help you understand your rights once your records are sealed and get you started on the path to a brighter future.
To learn more about how we can help, call or contact us now.
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At Adras & Altig, we believe that every client we work with deserves a fresh start. Our dedicated Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys take the time to get to know you so we can understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest.