Which Convictions Can’t Be Sealed in Las Vegas? (Nevada Law Explained)March 26, 2026
Having a criminal record can feel like a constant barrier to moving forward with your life. It can negatively impact everything from your employment opportunities to your housing options. If you are trying to build a fresh start, it can be frustrating to watch opportunities slip away because of a past mistake. While sealing your criminal record may offer a solution, Nevada law makes it clear that some criminal convictions cannot be sealed. Determining whether your criminal record is eligible to be sealed is the first step toward regaining control of your future. Even if you suspect your conviction cannot be sealed, you may still have options. A confidential case review with an experienced criminal defense attorney may uncover alternative strategies or potential relief, such as a reduction of charges or a pardon.
The Reality of a Criminal Record in Nevada
If you are convicted of a criminal offense in Nevada, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, that conviction will show up anytime someone runs a background check on you for the rest of your life. That criminal record could disqualify you from employment opportunities, impact your eligibility for assistance programs, or even prevent you from qualifying for housing.
Which Convictions Cannot Be Sealed Under Nevada Law?
Sealing your criminal record in Nevada means that the record becomes unavailable to the general public. Although Nevada law is relatively broad regarding record sealing eligibility, some criminal convictions cannot ever be sealed. Nevada Revised Statutes 179.245(6) sets forth the convictions that cannot be sealed, including:
Felony DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
Although a misdemeanor DUI conviction is eligible for record sealing, felony DUI convictions are not. Typically, this includes DUI convictions involving serious bodily injury or death, as well as a third DUI conviction within seven years.
Crimes Against Children
Crimes against children, including (but not limited to) felony child abuse or neglect, sexual exploitation of a child, lewdness with a minor, and kidnapping a minor, are ineligible for record sealing in Nevada.
Felony Sex Crimes
Felony sex crimes, such as rape, sexual assault, child pornography, and battery with intent to commit sexual assault, cannot be sealed in Nevada.
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
Convicted sex offenders are required by law to register in their county of residence in Nevada. Failing to register, as required, is a separate criminal offense under Nevada law. A conviction for failing to register as a sex offender, a D felony, is ineligible for record sealing.
Not sure what your official charge was? Let us pull your records confidentially. Contact The Vegas Lawyers at 702-707-7000 or contact us online to discuss your options.
Wait, What if My Charge Was Dismissed or Reduced?
While there are offenses that are ineligible for record sealing in Nevada, that only applies to convictions. If you were charged with an ineligible offense, but the charges were dismissed, or you were ultimately convicted of a lesser charge, you may still be eligible for record sealing.
For example, if you were charged with felony child abuse but the charges were dismissed, you may immediately be eligible to seal your criminal record. If you were originally charged with felony DUI but entered into a plea agreement that reduced the charge to a misdemeanor DUI, you would be eligible to seal that record after the relevant waiting period has passed.
Is There Any Hope If My Conviction Can’t Be Sealed?
If your criminal conviction is not eligible to be sealed, it may be worthwhile exploring the possibility of a pardon. In Nevada, the Nevada State Board of Pardons Commissioners reviews applications for pardons or sentence commutations. If granted, a pardon removes all disabilities related to the conviction and restores rights, but does not erase the conviction.
Find out if you qualify for a Governor’s Pardon. Reach out to The Vegas Lawyers for a FREE case review by calling 702-707-7000 or contacting us online.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Record Sealing Case
Having your criminal record sealed can be incredibly beneficial to your professional and personal life, but it is easy to make common mistakes during the process if you try to go it alone, such as:
- Failing to confirm that your conviction is eligible for record sealing.
- Applying to seal your record before the relevant waiting period has expired.
- Applying with charges pending.
- Submitting incomplete paperwork to the Clark County District Attorney’s office.
The Clark County Record Sealing Process: What Happens Next?
The Clark County record sealing process involves several crucial steps, including:
- Requesting a “Shared Computer Operations for Protection and Enforcement” (SCOPE) report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) or other relevant law enforcement agency.
- Obtaining a Judgment of Conviction and Discharge, which can be obtained from the District Court Clerk if the conviction occurred in Las Vegas.
- Preparing documents, including a Petition, an Affidavit,t and a proposed Order.
- Deliver copies of your documents to the Clark County District Attorney’s Office for review.
- Filing with the Court for a judge’s approval.
- Sending Copies to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
How The Vegas Lawyers Can Help Clear Your Name
Given the impact that a criminal conviction may have on your life, getting your criminal record sealed is a process that you cannot afford to take lightly. A single mistake during the record sealing process could result in months of unnecessary delays. Having the team at The Vegas Lawyers on your side throughout the record sealing process is the best way to avoid mistakes and the likelihood of getting your request approved without delay.
FAQs
No. A felony DUI cannot be sealed, but it may be possible to get the record reduced or to obtain a pardon.
The arrest will remain on your record if you do nothing, but if the charges were dismissed, you should be eligible to seal the record.
The applicable record sealing waiting period for a felony conviction in Las Vegas depends on the level of felony, ranging from two to ten years.
Yes. When a criminal record is expunged, the record is physically destroyed or removed from relevant databases. A sealed record is not visible to the public, but the physical record is not destroyed. You cannot expunge a criminal record in Nevada, but you may be able to seal the record.
If your criminal record has not been sealed, it will appear on a background check.
While you are not legally required to retain a lawyer, working with an experienced lawyer makes the record sealing process less stressful and ensures that all steps are completed correctly and in a timely manner.
A Nevada Governor’s pardon is an act of executive clemency that forgives a crime and restores your rights, but does not seal your record. To be eligible, you must have completed your sentence and demonstrate rehabilitation. Applications are reviewed by the Nevada State Board of Pardons Commissioners.
Contact The Vegas Lawyers Today
Everything we discuss is 100% confidential, and checking your eligibility will not alert your employer. Contact The Vegas Lawyers to schedule your free record sealing eligibility review today by calling 702-707-7000 or contacting us online.