Criminal records are available to the public. Anyone can have access to a person’s past arrests and convictions in government databases. Employers may not hire someone with a criminal record, while landlords may not lease to anyone with a criminal history.
Fortunately, there is a process to make criminal records private. A record seal is when a court orders that an individual’s criminal records be removed from government databases, meaning the general public can no longer search for a person’s criminal record.
Eligibility Requirements of Record Sealing in Nevada
Most Nevada criminal records can be sealed. However, each criminal offense is associated with a specific waiting period in order to become eligible for record seal.
The following is a list of crimes eligible for record sealing along with their specific waiting periods:
|
Nevada Conviction |
Waiting Period for Record Seal |
|
Dismissal or acquittal of charges that result in no conviction. |
No waiting period |
|
Misdemeanors (expect for DUI, battery, battery domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or violation of protective order) |
One year |
|
Battery misdemeanor |
Two years |
|
Stalking misdemeanor |
Two years |
|
Harassment misdemeanor |
Two years |
|
Violation of protective order misdemeanor |
Two years |
|
Gross misdemeanors |
Two years |
|
Category E felonies |
Two years |
|
Category D felonies (except violent crimes) |
Five years |
|
Category C felonies (except violent crimes) |
Five years |
|
Category B felonies (except violent crimes) |
Five years |
|
DUI misdemeanor |
Seven years |
|
Battery domestic violence misdemeanor |
Seven years |
|
Category A felonies |
10 years |
|
Burglary of a residence |
10 years |
|
Felony violent crimes |
10 years |
The three types of criminal convictions in Nevada that can never be sealed include:
- Sex crimes
- Crimes against children
- Felony DUIs
If you are interested in sealing your criminal record from public view, our Las Vegas criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of David R. Fischer is committed to guiding you through the process. We can help you create a stipulation, petition, affidavit and order, as well as gather all of the proper documentation related to your case.
Contact us and schedule a free consultation today.