Facing a criminal charge in Nevada

Bond and pretrial release in Nevada

Article I Section 7 of the Nevada Constitution provides that all persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties except for capital offenses or first-degree murder when proof is evident or presumption great. NRS Chapter 178 governs bail. NRS Sec. 178.484 enumerates conditions of release, with the magistrate directed to impose the least restrictive conditions that will reasonably assure appearance. Forms include release on own recognizance, unsecured bond, cash bond, surety bond, and supervised release. NRS Sec. 178.4853 governs review and modification of bail. The Nevada Supreme Court decision Valdez-Jimenez v. Eighth Judicial District Court, 136 Nev. 155 (2020) substantially reformed bail procedures by requiring an individualized assessment and a written record that the defendant has the financial ability to meet any cash bail imposed.

Bond amounts, conditions, and timelines vary by county and judge. Confirm with counsel or the court.

Criminal defense attorneys serving Nevada

Our directory is still building in Nevada. Public-defender intake is available now.

Record clearing in Nevada

Nevada record sealing is governed by NRS 179.245 through 179.301. The statute establishes a petition-based pathway through the court that, when granted, seals records of arrest, prosecution, and conviction from public access after a waiting period tied to offense category. The statute provides waiting periods after release from custody and discharge from supervision ranging from one year for misdemeanors to ten years for category A and B felonies; crimes of violence against children, sexual offenses, felony DUI, and crimes involving the offer to commit a felony are excluded. The petition is filed in the court of conviction with notice to the prosecuting attorney.

Eligibility, waiting periods, and the petition vs. automatic pathway depend on the conviction class and the date of the offense. Confirm with counsel or the court record.

Public defender intake in Nevada

Nevada State Public Defender's Office serves STATEWIDE County. Public defenders are appointed by the court based on financial eligibility. We do not refer you to a specific public defender and we do not represent you.

Public defenders are appointed by the court based on financial eligibility. LawSensai does not refer you to a public defender and does not represent you. This packet is a courtesy summary you can share with your public defender or their intake staff. You remain responsible for applying to the court for appointed counsel.