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Wipe the Slate Clean: Why Sealing Your Nevada Criminal Record Can Change Your Life

Posted by Michael Mee | Mar 09, 2025 | 0 Comments

Your past shouldn't define your future. Yet for many Nevadans, an old criminal record can be the difference between getting a second chance or being trapped in a cycle of rejection. If you've ever been arrested or convicted in Nevada, those records don't just disappear over time—they follow you, showing up on background checks when you apply for jobs, housing, or even professional licenses.

The good news? Nevada law allows many people to seal their criminal records, making them invisible to employers, landlords, and the public. That means you can legally deny ever having a record—even under oath. If that sounds like a game-changer, it's because it is.

Why Sealing Your Criminal Record Matters

Imagine this: You're the most qualified candidate for a great job, but the employer runs a background check and sees an old misdemeanor from years ago. Suddenly, your application gets tossed aside. Or maybe you're trying to rent an apartment in Las Vegas, but the landlord won't look past that arrest that never even led to a conviction.

This is the reality for thousands of people in Nevada who have already served their time, completed probation, or had their cases dismissed—yet are still haunted by their criminal past.

Sealing your record removes that barrier, giving you a fair shot at employment, housing, and a fresh start. Once sealed, your record no longer appears in background checks, and you don't have to disclose it to anyone—not even a potential employer or landlord.

Who Can Seal Their Record in Nevada?

Not all records are eligible for sealing, but many are. If your charges were dismissed or resulted in an acquittal, you can petition for a record seal immediately—no waiting required.

For convictions, the waiting periods vary:

  • Most misdemeanors – 1 year after case closure
  • DUI or domestic violence misdemeanors – 7 years
  • Felonies – 2 to 10 years, depending on the crime
  • Some crimes, like sex offenses and felony DUIs, can never be sealed

If you're not sure whether your record qualifies, a criminal defense attorney can help you figure it out.

Your Past Shouldn't Control Your Future

Many people think that once they've paid their dues, they'll be free to move forward. Unfortunately, that's not how the system works. An unsealed criminal record is a permanent roadblock, even if you've completely turned your life around.

The ability to seal records is one of the most important second-chance opportunities Nevada offers. Whether you made a mistake in your past or were wrongfully arrested, you deserve to move forward without being weighed down by a criminal history that no longer reflects who you are today.

If you're ready to erase the past and reclaim your future, sealing your Nevada criminal record might be your next best move. At Liberators Criminal Defense, we're here to help you through the process—so you can finally break free from the past and step into a better future.

Want to know if you're eligible? Contact us today for a free consultation.

About the Author

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Michael Mee

Attorney Michael Mee was raised in a small town in New York before attending college in New York City. While obtaining a degree in Political Science, he discovered he had a natural aptitude for studying the law. He later relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada where he graduated fro...

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