Record Sealing in Northern Nevada & Reno: When and How to Clear Your Criminal Past
A criminal record doesn’t have to follow someone for the rest of their life. In Northern Nevada, individuals who’ve served their time or were wrongly accused have the opportunity to
seal their criminal records—permanently. This legal process can unlock basic civil rights, improve job opportunities, and offer a much-needed fresh start. But navigating record sealing in Reno or anywhere across Northern Nevada isn’t something to do alone. The guidance of a trusted expungement attorney near you can be the difference between frustration and true freedom.
Why Sealing a Criminal Record in Nevada Matters
Most people don’t realize the full scope of consequences tied to a criminal record. Even after a case is closed—whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony—the long-term impact remains. From job applications to background checks for housing, old charges can cast a long shadow.
In Nevada, record sealing offers a second chance. Once a record is sealed:
- It becomes invisible to most background checks.
- The individual is legally allowed to say the entire case never occurred.
- Rights lost after conviction—such as voting or serving on a jury—can be restored.
Whether someone’s case was dismissed, they were found not guilty, or they served their sentence and waited the required time, sealing the record helps prevent a lifetime of punishment for a past mistake.
But the process isn’t simple. It involves affidavits, court petitions, timelines, and meticulous documentation. Missing one step can lead to delays—or outright denial.
That’s why hiring an experienced Reno criminal defense attorney like Jesse Kalter isn’t just helpful—it’s critical.
Who Is Eligible to Have a Criminal Record Sealed in Nevada?
Nevada law allows for record sealing in a broad range of situations, but eligibility is determined by specific criteria:
1. Charges Dismissed or Acquitted:
If a person was arrested but the case was dismissed or they were found not guilty, they can immediately apply to seal their record. No waiting period applies—sealing is possible as soon as the case is closed.
2. Completed Sentence + Waiting Period:
For convictions, the state enforces strict waiting periods before sealing becomes an option. These timelines begin after all terms of the sentence—jail time, probation, parole—are completed.
Nevada’s Required Waiting Periods for Record Sealing:
- Category A Felony – 10 years
- Category B, C, or D Felony – 5 years
- Category E Felony – 2 years
- Gross Misdemeanor – 2 years
- Standard Misdemeanor – 1 year
- Misdemeanor DUI or Domestic Violence – 7 years
- Arrest without Conviction – Immediately upon dismissal or acquittal
Each case must also be clear of any new criminal activity. If someone has pending charges or has reoffended, the clock resets—and eligibility is lost until the new timeline is met.
What Rights Can Be Restored by Sealing Your Record?
Sealing a record doesn’t just clear someone’s name—it restores core rights that are otherwise lost after certain convictions. That includes:
✅ The Right to Vote and Serve on a Jury:
Felony convictions remove the right to vote and participate in jury service. Sealing a criminal record can restore both, allowing full reengagement with civic life.
✅ The Right to Hold Public Office:
Those with sealed records can typically run for or hold public positions again, depending on the nature of the offense.
✅ The Right to Privacy in Employment and Housing:
Once a record is sealed, most employers and landlords won’t see the charge. In job interviews or housing applications, a person is no longer legally required to disclose a sealed record. It’s as if the offense never happened.
That change is life-altering. A sealed record levels the playing field and puts the past where it belongs—in the past.
Why Doing It Alone Is a Mistake
Some people assume they can file for record sealing on their own—and technically, they can. Nevada allows self-representation in these matters. But the process is filled with potential pitfalls:
- Content regarding the case to be sealed must be filled out exactly right.
- Copies must be distributed to all appropriate agencies.
- Deadlines must be met.
- Any error or omission can result in delays—or worse, denial.
When someone’s future is on the line, they need more than a stack of PDFs and hope. They need a strategist. A seasoned legal ally. Someone who knows the system from the inside.
That’s where Jesse Kalter Law comes in.
Why Locals Trust Jesse Kalter to Seal Criminal Records in Northern Nevada
Jesse Kalter isn’t a name on a door or a voice that disappears after intake. He’s the person showing up to court, planning your legal strategy, and taking your calls. Every client receives his personal attention.
And when it comes to sealing criminal records, that level of commitment makes all the difference.
With 2 decades experience in Reno and the surrounding areas—Sparks, Fallon, Fernley, Yerington, Dayton—Jesse has successfully sealed hundreds of records. He understands both the law and the lives at stake.
He’s also aggressive. Judges and prosecutors know his name because they’ve seen his determination in court. His tenacity often means better outcomes, faster turnarounds, and fewer headaches for clients.
Whether someone is trying to restore their rights, erase a past drug charge, or finally move on from an old mistake, Jesse knows the law—and fights to use it in their favor.
Record Sealing FAQs in Nevada
Can I seal a record for a DUI or domestic violence charge?
Yes, but the waiting period is longer—7 years from the completion of the sentence.
Is sealing the same as expungement?
Nevada technically doesn’t offer “expungement.” Instead, the state allows for sealing, which limits access to the record. The result is functionally similar to expungement in many other states.
Can federal charges be sealed?
Record sealing in Nevada only applies to state-level offenses. Federal charges fall under a separate legal framework.
How long does the sealing process take?
Depending on the complexity, record sealing can take 6–12 months or longer. An experienced attorney can help streamline this process and reduce delays.
What if I have more than one offense?
Multiple offenses can be sealed, but each has its own eligibility criteria. Jesse Kalter evaluates the full history and builds a strategy that maximizes what can be sealed and when.
Start Your Future Now: Contact a Reno Expungement Lawyer Today
Clearing a criminal record is one of the most powerful steps someone can take toward rebuilding their life. It opens doors that once felt closed forever and brings peace of mind after years of uncertainty.
But record sealing isn’t automatic. It takes strategy, knowledge, and relentless advocacy.
That’s what Jesse Kalter Law delivers—personal legal guidance backed by courtroom grit and unmatched dedication to Northern Nevada’s residents.
Contact Jesse Kalter today for a confidential consultation and find out if your record qualifies for sealing. Whether in Reno, Sparks, or any surrounding rural counties, the right to move forward starts now. If reinstating your 2nd amendment gun rights is your goal, Jesse Kalter can also help you obtain a state pardon with restoration of gun rights.
CLICK HERE to schedule a case evaluation or call 775-331-3888.
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