A criminal record creates significant barriers to employment, housing, and other aspects of life. Fortunately, Nevada law provides an opportunity for many individuals to seal their criminal records. When a record is sealed, it is hidden from public view. While law enforcement and some agencies can still access it, most employers and landlords cannot see sealed offenses during a background check.
Sealing your criminal records can give you a fresh start, and Adras & Altig is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us for a free case evaluation to discuss your options.
Understanding Record Sealing in Nevada
Sealing your criminal record can be a powerful tool that opens doors to many new opportunities, but understanding how to seal your record in Nevada can be complicated. First, you must satisfy the applicable waiting period as established in Nevada law, which begins after you complete your sentence, including any probation or parole, for your conviction. In general, these waiting periods in Nevada are:
- Most misdemeanors: 1 year
- Gross misdemeanors and category E felonies: 2 years
- Category B, C, and D felonies: 5 years
- Category A felonies: 10 years
There are exceptions and special cases that may change your waiting period. Your attorney can explain exactly how long you must wait before you can seal your record.
Once you are eligible, you must file a petition with the court where you were convicted. This may be the Clark County District Court if you were convicted in Las Vegas. The law enforcement agency (often the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for Las Vegas criminal convictions) and the prosecuting attorney from your case will be notified. They have the opportunity to object and present evidence. If there are no objections and you meet all legal criteria, the court may order the records sealed.
What Are the Benefits of Sealing Your Criminal Records in Las Vegas?
Sealing your criminal records can have significant benefits in many aspects of your life, including:
Employment benefits
Many employers use computer software to automatically screen out applicants with public criminal records. Even highly qualified candidates may never have their applications reviewed by the employer due to their criminal record. When criminal records are sealed, most employers will no longer have access to your criminal record, with the exception of some government jobs and law enforcement positions. This may allow you to apply for new roles and seek promotions, knowing that employers are evaluating your qualifications rather than your criminal record.
Citizenship benefits
United States federal law allows federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), to access state criminal records, even if they have been sealed. Sealing a record does not eliminate immigration consequences tied to certain convictions.
However, sealing your records can still offer limited, indirect benefits. By improving employment opportunities and housing stability, record sealing can provide evidence of rehabilitation and positive life changes that may be considered in certain discretionary immigration decisions.
Immigration law is complex and constantly evolving. If you are involved in any immigration process, including a visa application, naturalization, or other processes, it is strongly recommended that you also consult with an immigration lawyer to understand how criminal records, even if sealed, may affect your case.
Licensing benefits
Routine background checks by licensing boards often do not show a sealed record. In many cases, when your criminal record is sealed, you can truthfully answer “no” to criminal history questions. However, Nevada law still allows licensing boards to access sealed records to determine whether an applicant is a suitable candidate for a professional license. Sealing your record does not guarantee approval, but it reduces some barriers.
Housing benefits
Landlords and property managers often conduct background checks on rental applicants to screen out those with a criminal background. Sealing a criminal record can remove a major obstacle to housing by preventing past offenses from appearing on standard tenant background checks, increasing the likelihood of approval.
Limitations of Record Sealing In Nevada
Nevada law places essential limitations on who is eligible to seal criminal records and how sealed records may be used:
- Not all records can be sealed – Some offenses, like crimes against a child, sexual offenses, and DUI homicides, cannot be sealed under Nevada law.
- Sealing a record does not erase it – Government agencies are still able to access sealed records in certain contexts.
- You must complete the required waiting period, which can last from one to ten years – The waiting period starts after you finish all sentencing requirements, including parole or probation. If you are convicted of new offenses during this time, except minor traffic violations, your eligibility may be delayed.
How a Criminal Attorney Can Help You Through the Record Sealing Process
An experienced criminal attorney can support you through every step of the record sealing process. This begins with a comprehensive review of your Nevada criminal history records to determine eligibility and the applicable waiting period. Next, your attorney can help you prepare and file the petition correctly, as mistakes can result in delays or denial of your request. If the prosecuting attorney or law enforcement has any objections to your petition, your attorney can address those objections and provide supporting evidence to the court on your behalf.
Contact The Las Vegas Record Sealing Lawyers At Adras & Altig For Help
If you are ready to pursue a fresh start in life by petitioning to seal your criminal records, the attorneys at Adras & Altig can help. Our attorneys understand the challenges of finding employment, housing, and pursuing other opportunities with a criminal history report, and we are here to support you through the record sealing process.
This post was originally published in November 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in February 2026.
