Nevada Criminal Records

A Nevada criminal record, also known as a rap sheet or summary criminal history, is a register of a person's arrests and convictions within the jurisdiction of Nevada. Chapter 179A.070 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) defines criminal record as information that identifies the subject's statement of arrests, detention, indictments, criminal charges, and sentences.

Nevada criminal records are assembled by various state law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities. However, the Department of Public Safety Records, Communications, and Compliance Division is the central custodian of criminal records in the state. Requests for criminal records typically go to this agency.

While criminal records provide information on an individual's criminal history, they have several other implications. Criminal records are relevant in the justice system and for ensuring transparency in social interactions between residents of Nevada.

Are Criminal Records Public in Nevada?

It depends. According to Chapter 239 of the Nevada Public Records Act, members of the public may access or request a copy of their criminal history record from the Nevada Criminal History Repository. However, obtaining criminal records on other people is restricted, and only authorized persons may access records on third parties. Even at that, there are restrictions on record disclosure, especially when the record contains sensitive information (NRS 239.0105).

The following entities may access criminal records in Nevada:

• The person identified in the record
• A public guardian that is part of an investigative procedure
• Law enforcement agencies
• Criminal justice agencies
• State licensing agencies.

According to NRS 179A.100, the record custodian may disclose the following criminal history information without any restriction.

• Records containing information of conviction only.
• Information related to an incident for which a person is currently in the state's system of criminal justice.

Nevada Crime Records by County

The purpose of keeping a database of crime records in Nevada is to provide a complete registry of criminal justice information and statistics to the public. The Uniform System for Judicial Records (USJR) collects and maintains consistent statistical information on the filing and resolution of cases in Nevada trial courts. This information is used to establish public policy, criminal justice, and regulatory decisions for crime and criminal offenders. Similarly, the Department of Public Safety also maintains the Nevada Crime Statistics website, which allows individuals to search for crime data using parameters like the county name, year, and type of crime.

Municipal governments across Nevada also maintain public crime reports that interested persons may obtain. For instance, the Carson City Sheriff's Office provides an online search portal for arrest records. Individuals can conduct searches using information such as name, date of birth, and case number.

Each Nevada county and local law enforcement agency can submit crime reports to the Central Repository. However, all submissions must follow the policies, procedures, and definitions of the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program under the FBI. All current and historical information on crimes is published in the Crime in Nevada Annual Report through the Department of Public Safety.

Nevada Criminal Record Check

The Department of Public Safety is the agency responsible for criminal background checks in Nevada. The department allows individuals to request a copy of their background check information. Access to a copy of another person's records for employment or other purposes will require the person's authorization.

To request a criminal background check or get the authorization of the subject, the requester must follow the instructions below:

• Download and complete the Request for Nevada Criminal History (DPS-006 Form)
• Get proof of identity through a fingerprint card containing the name, date of birth, sex, color, age, and race of the subject.
• Make a payment of $27.00 per request (The DPS accepts certified checks or money orders).

Note that the applicant must enclose the application packet in an envelope and mail it to the address below.

Department of Public Safety

Records, Communications, and Compliance Division

333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100

Carson City, Nevada 89706.

Find Criminal Records Online in Nevada

The Civil Name Check (CNC) program provides an online application form for authorized users to access criminal history record information. Each search is based on an inquiry made using name and numeric identifiers rather than fingerprints. The following are requirements for the authorized use of the Civil Name Check program:

• Submit a complete application with the necessary documents.
• Provide a copy of the current Nevada State Business License issued by the Nevada Secretary of State.
• Attach a copy of the Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Meanwhile, the Nevada Sex Offender Registry contains a list of sex offenders in the state. An authorized user can search the database using the sex offender's first and last name, and a code.

**Free Criminal Record Search in Nevada **

It is possible to find criminal records online in Nevada through third-party databases. However, because these service providers are not affiliated with the government, there is no guarantee of the accuracy of the information provided. The information on each site may vary from one site to another. Finding criminal records in Nevada through these sites may require a simple search by name or ID number.

What Does it Mean if You Have a Criminal Record in Nevada?

Having a criminal record in Nevada can negatively impact various aspects of a person's life, including access to jobs, housing, or professional licenses. This impact may vary depending on the type of record and the specific circumstances involved.

Living with a criminal record for any offense may lead to serious socioeconomic consequences for the individual. For example, an individual with a record of violent crimes may be denied opportunities where they would handle sensitive information or work with vulnerable people. Fortunately, Nevada offers a process of record sealing and other systems that will ease the impacts of these criminal records.

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in Nevada?

No. Nevada law does not automatically clear criminal records after seven years. However, the state makes provisions for persons with a criminal record to petition for an expungement or sealing of the record. For instance, a misdemeanor in Nevada may stay on a person's criminal record forever unless sealed or expunged. Most misdemeanor crimes can be sealed from a criminal record one to seven years after the case closes. On the other hand, concerned persons may apply to seal a criminal record.

Sealing a record will sequester the document from public access, and only authorized persons may access a sealed record. Persons who wish to seal their criminal record must meet the eligibility requirements, including a waiting period, and have a qualifying offense (NRS 179.245).

Arrest Record Vs Criminal Record

Some people may confuse arrest records for criminal records when, in fact, both records are different. Arrest records contain information about an individual's arrest and the events surrounding it. This may include the date and time of the arrest, personal details of the subject, charges, fingerprints, and bail. The case will be moved to the legal justice system if an individual is arrested and the arrest charges are not dropped. Otherwise, it is closed.

Compared to an arrest record, a criminal record is a detailed collection of information acquired after a person is first arrested for a crime. It may include arrest warrants, police arrest and incident reports, court records, and court case decisions. If the person pleads guilty to a criminal charge or is found guilty by a jury, this judgment will be filed in their criminal record. After that, a criminal record may be updated with subsequent arrests or dispositions that may follow. The Department of Public Safety is the central repository for both arrest and criminal records in Nevada.

Nevada Police Records

Nevada Police records are legal documents that contain information on a person's interaction with the police or involvement in any court proceeding, resulting in no final conviction. This may include not guilty, discharged, withdrawn, or dismissed charges under thorough investigations.

According to the Nevada Public Records Act, the State Police Records, Communications, and Compliance Division (RCCD) provides access to police records in the state. This division also offers limited DMV services, criminal history printouts, sex offender registration, and reports.

Although an individual's criminal convictions and police records are part of an entire criminal record, there are slight differences between the two. A criminal record is more detailed about a court conviction and the charges associated with each conviction.