You beat the case. Maybe the charges were dismissed. Maybe you were acquitted at trial. Either way, you walked out of court thinking it was over. But then a background check turns up the arrest, or a potential employer pulls your name and sees your court case listed online. What gives?

This is one of the most frustrating things about the criminal justice system in Nevada—and one of the most misunderstood. Just because your case was dismissed doesn't mean the record disappears. In fact, unless you take the extra step of sealing it, the stain can follow you for years.

Dismissed Doesn't Mean Deleted

In Nevada, criminal court records are public unless sealed. That includes not just convictions, but also dismissals, acquittals, and even charges that were never filed. The arrest itself generates a public record, and court proceedings create a docket, both of which can be pulled by employers, landlords, licensing boards, and anyone else with a computer.

This means that even if the State never proved its case—or if the judge agreed with your defense and dismissed the charges—your name, the charges, and the case number still live online and in government databases. It might say “dismissed,” but most people reading it won't care. To them, a criminal record is a criminal record.

How to Seal a Dismissed Case in Nevada

Nevada law allows you to seal a case that was dismissed, acquitted, or otherwise resolved in your favor immediately—no waiting period. That's right: if the charges were dropped or you were found not guilty, you don't have to wait a year or more like you would for a conviction.

But—and this is the key—it doesn't happen automatically. You have to file a petition to seal the record. That means drafting legal documents, notifying the prosecutor, and submitting the proposed order to the court. If the District Attorney agrees, the court usually grants it without a hearing. If not, you may need to argue your case in front of a judge.

Once sealed, the record is treated as though it never existed. Employers can't hold it against you. Background check companies must delete it. Even government agencies are restricted from disclosing it.

Why Record Sealing Matters

You don't get a second chance at a first impression. Even if you were cleared, most people don't bother to read past the headline. A sealed record gives you the power to move forward without having to explain, justify, or relive the past.

If you've been denied a job, rejected for housing, or just want peace of mind, sealing your record is one of the most powerful steps you can take. In Nevada, the law is on your side—you just have to use it.

Talk to a Defense Lawyer About Cleaning Up Your Record

At Liberators Criminal Defense, we've helped hundreds of Nevadans clear their name and protect their future. If your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, we can help you seal it quickly and efficiently—often without a court appearance.

Don't let a dismissed case haunt you. Contact us today and take control of your record.