Record sealing is a legal process that allows individuals to limit access to their criminal records. While sealing and expungement are similar legal terms, the critical difference is that expungement completely erases criminal records, while sealing makes them private. In Nevada, sealing is available for certain offenses, including minor drug offenses, misdemeanors, and some non-violent felonies. According to a report by the Nevada Department of Public Safety, over 4,000 people benefited from record sealing between 2017 and 2019. Most of those who sought record sealing did so for employment-related reasons, highlighting the importance of having a clean criminal record for career advancement.
Benefits of Record Sealing
A sealed criminal record has numerous benefits, such as increased job prospects and housing opportunities. With a sealed record, individuals have a better chance of passing background checks, often required for employment or finding a place to live. It can also help restore one’s reputation, allowing them to move forward from past mistakes and start anew. Record sealing genuinely impacts people’s lives, providing a second chance for those who may have made a mistake in the past but are now striving to move forward in a positive direction.
The Record Sealing Process in Nevada
The process of applying for record sealing in Nevada involves several steps. First, individuals must obtain a copy of their criminal record from the Nevada Department of Public Safety. Next, they must complete a petition for record sealing, which includes information such as personal details, the offense in question, and the reasons for seeking sealing. The petition must be submitted to the court in the county where the crime occurred, along with any required fees. The time frame for the process can vary, with some cases taking several months to process. It’s important to note that not all offenses are eligible for record sealing, and specific eligibility requirements must be met. For example, there may be a waiting period after the completion of one’s sentence, and certain serious offenses may not be sealable. Prior offenses can also impact one’s eligibility, as some offenses may disqualify an individual from seeking record sealing altogether.
Record sealing in Nevada is a legal process allowing individuals to limit access to criminal records. Record sealing has numerous benefits, including increased job prospects and housing opportunities. Thousands of people in Nevada have benefitted from record sealing, with the majority seeking to seal for employment-related reasons. Record sealing involves obtaining a copy of one’s criminal record, completing a petition, and submitting it to the court, along with any required fees. However, not all offenses are eligible for record sealing, and certain eligibility requirements must be met.
Schedule a free consultation with Richard P. Davies and his law team to learn your options for record sealing! Call (775) 360-6894 or email us today.