Record Sealing

In layman’s terms, Record Sealing is the practice of sealing away court records that are publicly accessible. Stated slightly differently, record sealing is the practice of wiping your criminal slate clean. A criminal conviction, even a misdemeanor, can follow you for your entire life, and be an issue for every job application. A sealed record, however, helps you move forward by avoiding some or all of these consequences.

When you seal your records, you have the legal right to deny or not acknowledge anything to do with said records. This means that should you successfully seal your records, you can honestly answer “No” when asked if you have ever been arrested or have any felonies. If left unsealed, your criminal record can have a devastating impact on your life going forward. For instance, renting a home, adopting a child, and applying for loans all require background checks that will focus on your record and potentially deprive you of opportunities sometimes solely on the basis of a sole mistake made years prior. Thus, sealing your records if eligible is crucial. Not only can sealing your record broaden your employment opportunities, but it can also help you move forward and avoid uncomfortable conversations about your past.

Preparing and gathering the appropriate documents before beginning your Petition to Seal Records can be the difference between success and failure. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 179 lists documents that must be included with any Petition, and failure to do so can cause your Petition to remain unsigned for an extended period of time, or even be denied.

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