Pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 239, arrest records are public in Carson City, Nevada. The Nevada Public Records Act establishes that records created, maintained, or kept by governmental entities shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. This statutory framework ensures governmental transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to access various types of records, including those pertaining to arrests. The Nevada Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access such information, reinforcing the state's commitment to open government principles.
Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as specified in NRS 239.0105. Such protected information may include social security numbers, personal medical information, and details about minors. Additionally, records related to ongoing investigations may have limited accessibility until the investigation concludes, as provided under NRS 239.011.
The Nevada Department of Public Safety provides multiple channels through which individuals may access arrest records in Carson City. These methods have been established to accommodate various needs while maintaining compliance with state public records laws.
Official arrest record searches may be conducted through the following methods:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records, Communications and Compliance Division to submit requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with the completion of necessary forms.
Records, Communications and Compliance Division
333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100
Carson City, Nevada 89706
Phone: (775) 684-6262
Nevada Criminal History Records Request Form
Online Database Access: The Carson City Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows for remote searches of arrest records. Users must register and may be subject to usage fees in accordance with NRS 239.052.
Written Requests: Pursuant to NRS 239.0107, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the Department of Public Safety. Such requests must include specific information to facilitate record location.
Nevada Department of Public Safety
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711
Phone: (775) 684-4953
Public Records Request Information
Court Records: Arrest information may also be obtained through the Carson City Justice Court for cases that have entered the judicial system.
Carson City Justice Court
885 East Musser Street, Suite 2007
Carson City, NV 89701
Carson City Justice Court Information
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record searches and copies as authorized by NRS 239.052. Current fee schedules are available at each agency's public counter.
Carson City arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 179A.050. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), and demographic data of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest, including the address or GPS coordinates where the apprehension occurred.
Offense Information: Specific charges filed against the individual, including statute numbers, offense classification (misdemeanor or felony), and brief description of the alleged criminal activity.
Arresting Agency Data: Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), the law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest, and the agency's case number.
Processing Information: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, and detention facility information if the individual was incarcerated.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction, as well as any sentencing information if applicable.
Bail/Bond Information: Amount of bail set, whether bail was posted, and conditions of release if the individual is no longer in custody.
Pursuant to NRS 179A.100, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including victim identifiers in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
Nevada law provides mechanisms for the sealing or expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in NRS 179.255 and NRS 179.259. The process requires petitioners to demonstrate eligibility based on statutory criteria and follow prescribed procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for record sealing in Carson City under the following conditions:
The expungement process involves the following steps:
Pursuant to NRS 179.275, once records are sealed, the arrest and related proceedings are deemed never to have occurred, and the individual may legally deny the existence of the record except in specific circumstances enumerated in NRS 179.301.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that certain offenses, including sexual offenses against minors and crimes of violence resulting in substantial bodily harm, are statutorily ineligible for sealing under NRS 179.245(5).