Nevada Arrest Records
Nevada arrest records provide an official account of the apprehension of individuals suspected of criminal activity by Nevada law enforcement agencies. They contain information about the detention of alleged offenders and are retained for reference purposes per state laws and regulations. While arrest records provide crucial information regarding incarceration, they may not be used to establish the subject's guilt.
Most arrest records contain information about the arrest location, victims, date, time, and other relevant facts. Additionally, they feature the suspect's personal data, including their full name, race, age, birthdate, sex, fingerprints, address, and mugshot. They also include a thorough account of the incident, the status of the defendant's case, the name of the arresting agency, the officer who conducted the arrest, charges (if applicable), and any information pertinent to establishing probable cause.
Are Arrest Records Public in Nevada?
Yes. The Nevada Public Records Act (NPRA) NRS 239.005 states that arrest records are public documents in Nevada and may be inspected by the public. As a result, law enforcement agencies must grant the public access to this information except otherwise determined by a statute or court order.
Notwithstanding, the provisions of the Act are not absolute. Section NRS 239.0105 and NRS 239.014 of the NPRA provide examples of situations in which the disclosure of arrest information might jeopardize the lives of suspects or anybody connected to the incident and the investigation process. Ultimately, the law requires that no one's rights or privacy be infringed upon. Therefore, any material that could put someone at risk of such violations must be removed or redacted before being made public.
How Do I Look Up Arrest Records in Nevada?
Inquirers may lookup arrest records in Nevada by querying the following agencies:
Local Law Enforcement Agencies (Police and Sheriff's Departments):
Local law enforcement agencies, specifically those responsible for executing arrests, are responsible for generating arrest records. Thus, record requests are typically processed by these agencies/departments. However, in most cases, police reports are only released to individuals directly involved or a representing attorney.
- Most law enforcement agencies save their arrest records in an online repository or publish them on a dedicated web page. Thus, inquirers may search for these records on the arresting agency's website. For instance, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department provides online access to arrest records for individuals and attorneys via their official website. A report usually takes at least 10 business days to be available for dissemination, and a non-refundable fee of $12 is charged to requesters.
- On its official website, the Clark County Detention Centre, offers an inmate information directory that provides details about individuals who have been arrested or are in custody. Inquirers may reach them by phone at* (702) 671-3900* or by email at ccdc@lvmpd.com.
State Department of Public Safety:
For statewide arrest record searches in Nevada, inquirers may query the Department of Public Safety's Records, Communication and Compliance Division (RCCD), the state's central repository for criminal records. Inquirers will be charged a $27 fee for this service to cover fingerprinting and records request fees. They are required to download and fill out the Criminal History Request Form and send the completed form, fingerprint card and payment to:
The Department of Public Safety
Records, Communications, and Compliance Division
333 West Nye Lane #100
Carson City, Nevada 89706
However, this option is only suitable for the retrieval of personal records.
Third-party Repositories
Interested persons can also visit third-party sites for Nevada arrest information. However, while these are a convenient option for obtaining instant records (typically remotely), inquirers are advised to verify the authenticity of the records obtained from official resources.
Free Arrest Record Search in Nevada
In Nevada, most law enforcement organizations use arrest logs or the inmate search function on their websites to offer basic arrest information. Inquirers may use these logs at no additional cost.
However, these rosters usually provide the most basic details regarding an individual's arrest; a requester may have to pay a fee to receive more comprehensive information. To conduct a free arrest record search in Nevada using the logs, inquirers may enter the required search parameters, such as the booking number or name of the arrestee, into the search bar.
Nevada arrest records may also be viewed for free by making in-person requests to the arresting agency. However, most agencies only provide complete criminal records information to the subjects of such records or to authorized third parties.
How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Nevada?
Nevada arrest records often stay on a person's record permanently unless they are sealed or erased. Most sealed records vary according to the kind or extent of the offense. Under the Supreme Court's direction, the legislature of Nevada is tasked by statute and constitution with helping other courts manage their court records. This is done through a special commission that makes decisions about preserving, accessing, and sealing court records. The commission created a retention schedule specifying how long adjudicatory court records must be retained to meet operational, legal, financial, and historical requirements. For instance, the schedule states that civil case files are erased 7 years after the matter is closed, but criminal case files are kept for a lifetime.
How to Seal Arrest Record in Nevada
Nevada's arrest record sealing processes differ from county to county. Interested persons may consult with the court where the arrest occurred to confirm the procedure for filing a petition to have a criminal history record sealed. However, petitioners must satisfy the eligibility requirements outlined in NRS 179.245 – NRS 179.301 to have their Nevada arrest records sealed.
On its official website, the Records Communication and Compliance Division of the Nevada State Police also offers information on sealing criminal records.
A record-sealing order is different from a record expungement, which permits record removal. A record sealing order takes the record out of the public domain but does not grant permission to destroy it. According to Statues NRS 179.295 and NRS 179.301, a record sealed by statute may be used in the future under specific conditions.
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