A criminal record can alter your life in meaningful ways, many of which people don’t fully comprehend until they experience it firsthand. A Nevada criminal record can affect employment, housing, and educational opportunities. It can also jeopardize your personal and professional relationships and your financial stability.
However, depending on your situation, having your criminal record sealed may be a possibility. Record sealing in Las Vegas can offer you a fresh start. Here’s a closer look at how to seal your record in Nevada.
What Is Record Sealing in Nevada?
Nevada law allows individuals convicted of certain crimes to petition for the sealing of their criminal records once they’ve met specific conditions. Sealing is a generic term used to describe physically removing a criminal record from the Nevada record system or restricting access to an individual’s criminal record. Although sealing doesn’t destroy court records, many people consider record sealing a “clean slate” because the sealed conviction does not appear on conventional background checks used by employers and landlords.
Process for Sealing Your Nevada Criminal Record
Because the process of sealing Nevada criminal history records can vary by county, it’s always best to review your situation with a Nevada record sealing lawyer to ensure you’re navigating the process correctly.
You cannot petition the court to seal your criminal record until you complete the mandatory waiting period. The waiting period depends on the nature of the conviction. For most misdemeanors, for example, the waiting period is one year following your release from custody and the completion of court requirements. The waiting period for Category A felony convictions is ten years. The waiting periods for other criminal charges range from two to seven years.
You must petition the court to have your criminal record sealed. First, you must obtain a copy of your criminal history (also known as a SCOPE). This document also shows the jurisdiction in which you were convicted, which can help narrow down which court you must petition to seal your record.
Next, you must complete all relevant paperwork and documentation for the court, including a petition, affidavit, and order. You must type these documents. You can access the documents via most county websites. Once you’ve completed the paperwork, you must deliver it to the District Attorney’s office, where they will review the documents and notify you of their decision.
If they agree to seal your records, they’ll mail you a signed order, which you’ll bring to the court clerk in the jurisdiction where you were convicted. They’ll present it to the judge, who will decide whether or not to sign off on it. If they do, you’ll bring the order to any agencies holding your records, and they’ll be obligated to seal them.
Even the slightest error on these documents can jeopardize your situation and result in the district attorney or judge not signing off on sealing your criminal history. Working with an experienced record-sealing attorney can help you avoid these issues.
What Records Cannot Be Sealed?
In some cases, a Nevada criminal record cannot be sealed. For example, those convicted of sex crimes, crimes against children, felony DUI, and home invasion with a deadly weapon cannot have their criminal history sealed by the court.
Contact Our Experienced Las Vegas Record Sealing Lawyers Now
The process of getting your criminal record sealed can be confusing. An experienced Nevada record-sealing lawyer at Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law, can provide legal counsel and help you take this critical step toward rebuilding your life after a criminal conviction. Contact our skilled Las Vegas record-sealing lawyers today for a free consultation.
This post was originally published in February 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in May 2024.
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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.