Record Sealing in Las Vegas

Helping You Leave the Past Behind

We have all made mistakes and, unfortunately, if your mistakes leave a mark on your record, they can haunt you for many years to come, impacting your ability to obtain certain jobs, credit and loans, and other crucial public benefits. Even minor criminal offenses that occurred years ago can impact your life. Instead of allowing the past to continue to infiltrate your present, take the necessary steps to seal your criminal record. At The Draskovich Law Group, our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the process of sealing your criminal record, so you can comfortably move forward with your life.

The Benefits of Sealing Your Criminal Record

If you have a conviction on your record, you will likely face some problems leasing an apartment, finding a decent job, or even applying for a loan. Once you seal your criminal record, however, potential employers, lenders, and landlords will not be able to see your past and, thus, will not be able to discriminate against you for it.

Furthermore, sealing your criminal record could also restore your right to vote, serve on a jury and, even under oath, you will not have to tell anyone you have a criminal record.

How long do you have to wait to seal your record in Nevada?

In Nevada, you must wait at least the following to have your record sealed:

• Category A or B Felony: 15 years
• Category C or D Felony: 12 years
• Category E Felony: 7 years
• Gross Misdemeanor: 5 years
• Misdemeanor: 2 years
• Misdemeanor DUI: 7 years
• Misdemeanor Domestic Violence: 7 years
• Arrest without a conviction after dismissal or acquittal: no waiting period

You must also not have any convictions during these waiting periods. After you have meet the following waiting periods for your crime, you can now apply to have your record expunged and typically takes about 4-6 months.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility for record-sealing will depend on a number of factors, such as the category of the offense you committed and when you completed probation. Generally, if you meet the following criteria, you should be eligible to seal your criminal record in Nevada:

• Your case was dismissed or you were acquitted of all charges.

• You do not have any other criminal actions pending against you.

• You were convicted of a criminal offense in Nevada and the required amount of time has elapsed. Depending on the offense, this could vary. For example, a misdemeanor DUI would require 7 years to elapse, whereas you might have to wait 15 years if you were convicted of a felony.

You cannot seal your criminal record if:

• You were charged with an offense that is still pending.
• You committed or attempted to commit a crime against a child under the age of 18, such as kidnapping.
• You committed a felony sexual offense against a child or children under the age of 18.

Is it Possible for a Criminal Record to be Reopened After it is Sealed?

Under some circumstances, it is possible for a criminal record to be reopened and investigated. Examples in which a criminal record can be reopened include:

• The court can allow you to inspect your own record if you petition them to do so.

• Your charges were dismissed and a prosecutor wants to reopen and examine your record now that you are being charged with similar offenses.

• A prosecutor wants to investigate if other people were involved in the crime you were convicted of by reopening and examining your case.

• Certain agencies, such as the Gaming Control Board, can view your record.

Will sealed records show up on a background check?

Sealed convictions should not show up on any background check run by an employer or licensing agency, unless you are applying for a job as a police officer or a peace officer or you are applying for gun license. So if you got a misdemeanor expunged or sealed, it should not show up on your employer's background check. You should also disclose your sealed or expunged record to your employer. If you don’t disclose your sealed convictions when the employer or agency asks about your criminal record, there is a small risk that the employer or agency will improperly find out about them. If this happens, the employer or agency may threaten to deny you employment or take other action against you based on your alleged “dishonesty.”

Las Vegas Record Sealing Attorney

If you are having difficulties securing a job, an apartment, or a loan due to your criminal record, the Las Vegas record sealing attorneys at The Draskovich Law Group are here to help you seal it, so you can move on with your life and leave the past behind. This process can be complicated and the last thing you want to do is risk being denied, so reach out to our law firm today for the help you deserve.