Will a Dismissed Case Still Show Up on My Record?

Spoiler: Yes—Until It's Sealed.

You went to court, and the case was dismissed. Maybe the prosecutor dropped the charges. Maybe you were found not guilty. You walk away thinking it's finally over.

But then you apply for a job or housing—and suddenly someone's asking about an arrest you thought didn't matter.

At Liberators Criminal Defense, we hear this question constantly:

“Why is this showing up? I thought the case was dropped.”

Here's the truth: a dismissed case still shows up on your criminal record—unless it's sealed. Let's break down why that happens, and how to make it right.

Dismissed Doesn't Mean Deleted

In Nevada, a case being dismissed means the charges didn't stick. But that doesn't erase the paper trail. The following records still exist:

• The original arrest

• The criminal complaint or charging documents

• Court dates, motions, and appearances

• The final dismissal or acquittal

These are all public records. That means background check companies, employers, landlords, and licensing boards can still see them.

In other words: even if the case went nowhere, the fact that you were charged (or even just arrested) can still follow you.

What Shows Up on a Background Check?

Even when charges are dropped, a background check might still show:

• Your arrest record

• The charges that were filed

• The case number and court involved

• The final outcome—such as “dismissed,” “not guilty,” or “nolle prosequi”

To someone reviewing your record, this can raise questions—even if you were never convicted. Many decision-makers don't distinguish between “not guilty” and “never should've been charged in the first place.”

How Do You Fix It? Seal the Record.

The only way to truly remove a dismissed case from your record is through record sealing. Once sealed, the record is:

• No longer visible in most background checks

• Treated as though it never happened under the law

• Inadmissible for most employment or housing decisions

• Hidden from the general public and non-law enforcement access

Best of all, once a case is sealed, you can legally say it never happened—including on job applications.

When Are You Eligible to Seal a Dismissed Case?

In Nevada, you can seal a dismissed case immediately after it's resolved—no waiting period.

That includes:

• Dismissals without prejudice

• Charges dropped before trial

• Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)

• Dismissals after completing diversion or specialty court

• Arrests where no charges were ever filed

The only condition is that the case must be completely closed, with no appeals or active proceedings pending.

Why So Many People Don't Realize This

There's a widespread assumption that:

• If charges were dropped, the record disappears

• Background checks only show convictions

• Employers will understand the difference between dismissed and guilty

Unfortunately, none of those things are guaranteed. The system doesn't clean itself up for you. That's your responsibility—and most people never realize they need to take that extra step until it costs them.

How We Help at Liberators Criminal Defense

We make sealing your dismissed case simple. Our firm handles the full process, including:

• Determining your eligibility

• Preparing and filing all petitions and affidavits

• Notifying every agency involved: courts, police, prosecutors

• Representing you in court if a hearing is required

We make sure a mistake—or a misunderstanding—doesn't continue to limit your opportunities.

Final Word

A dismissed case isn't the end of the story unless you take the next step and seal it. Don't let an old charge ruin your future.

If you've had a case dismissed in Las Vegas, contact Liberators Criminal Defense. We'll help you seal your record—and move on with a clean slate.

The case might be over. But the record isn't.

Let's fix that.