Nevada is an unusual state when it comes to sealing your records. It does not expunge records at all, meaning that it won’t withdraw a guilty or no contest plea after you complete probation and add in a plea of “not guilty.”
However, the state does allow some offenses to be sealed. A record seal essentially makes your criminal history “disappear,” hiding it from public view.
When a record is sealed, you gain the right to lawfully deny that you were ever convicted of a crime or arrested.
How long does it take to get your records sealed?
Usually, the process takes a few weeks but can take several months. The length of time it will take will be determined by the current caseload in court as well as the factors involved in your case. To get your records sealed, you’ll need to meet certain requirements that are set by the state.
There is also a waiting period that you have to take into consideration. These waiting periods are addressed in a series of statutes that you can find on Nevada’s government website. Keep in mind that not all records can be sealed, and there are times when even sealed records can be accessed.
What’s the procedure for sealing your records?
The actual process of sealing your records varies depending on your location. You will need to look into the specific procedure for the county in which your initial arrest occurred. Even within the state, each county handles requests to seal records differently.
When can sealed records be accessed?
In general, the public cannot access sealed records. Sometimes, these records can be accessed by certain agencies, such as the Gaming Control Board, to determine if the person is allowed to hold a gaming license. Similarly, a prosecutor may apply to reopen the record to look for additional information about other people who were involved in an offense for which the person was convicted.
Record sealing is, in the general, a good way to stop the public and employers from seeing your records. It could be an option for you, so it’s worth looking into this helpful legal option.