Clark County courts guide

Clark County does not have one single criminal court. It has a system of courts divided by geography and charge severity. When you are arrested, the police agency that made the arrest determines which court your case enters. The seriousness of the charge determines whether it stays in that court or eventually moves to district court.

If the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested you, your case starts in Las Vegas Justice Court. If Henderson Police made a misdemeanor arrest inside city limits, your case goes to Henderson Municipal Court; Henderson felony cases start in Henderson Justice Court. North Las Vegas PD misdemeanor arrests inside city limits go to North Las Vegas Municipal Court. North Las Vegas felony and gross misdemeanor cases start in North Las Vegas Justice Court. Arrests by other agencies in unincorporated Clark County (including the Nevada Highway Patrol on local roads) typically go through Las Vegas Justice Court.

Misdemeanor charges (punishable by up to six months in jail) stay in justice court or municipal court from start to finish. Gross misdemeanor charges (punishable by up to 364 days in jail) and felony charges (punishable by one year or more in state prison) start in justice court for the preliminary stage and are then tried in district court. Felonies transfer to the Eighth Judicial District Court if the judge finds probable cause.

Nevada divides criminal offenses into three categories: misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies. Each category has different maximum penalties, and the court process is different for each.

Misdemeanors are punishable by up to six months in the county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Common misdemeanors include first-offense DUI, petit larceny, simple battery, trespassing, and disorderly conduct. The entire case, from arraignment through trial or resolution, stays in justice court or municipal court.

Gross misdemeanors are punishable by up to 364 days in the county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Examples include a second stalking offense and certain theft offenses. A second DUI within 7 years is still a misdemeanor (NRS 484C.400). Gross misdemeanors are tried in district court, not justice or municipal court (NRS 4.370(3)).

Felonies are punishable by one year or more in state prison. Categories range from Category E (the least serious, 1 to 4 years) through Category A (the most serious, including life in prison and the death penalty). Felony cases start in justice court for the preliminary hearing. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is bound over to the Eighth Judicial District Court for all further proceedings.

Arrive at least thirty minutes before your scheduled hearing. You will go through a security checkpoint similar to an airport: empty your pockets, remove your belt, walk through a metal detector. Do not bring weapons, pocket knives, or pepper spray. Leave them in your car or at home.

Once through security, find your courtroom. Your court notice or citation will list the department number. If you cannot find it, there is usually an information desk or directory near the entrance. Sit in the gallery and wait for your case to be called.

When your case is called, approach the podium. If you have an attorney, your attorney will speak for you in most situations. Do not speak unless the judge speaks to you directly. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Do not argue with the judge or the prosecutor. Keep your phone silenced and put away.

Most hearings are short, five to fifteen minutes. But you may have to wait an hour or more for your case to be called because multiple cases are scheduled for the same time. Bring patience.