How To Find Court Records In Nevada

When you access court records in Nevada, you are reviewing official documents created during legal proceedings. These records are important because they can provide transparency into the judicial process, help you understand the outcome of a case, and offer insight into matters such as criminal charges, civil lawsuits, or financial disputes.

Depending on the case, records may feature details like case numbers, filing dates, court orders, sentencing information, or resolutions, when available.

You can search Nevada court records through CourtCaseFinder, which is designed to help you explore information compiled from publicly available sources. By entering a name or case number, you may find results related to criminal matters, police activity, jail inmates, bankruptcies, liens, judgments, driving violations, or other court proceedings.

Availability generally depends on the type of court and the records made accessible. Information is intended for informational purposes and may not be complete.

How To Access Nevada Public Court Records

CourtCaseFinder can help you search across different trial courts quickly by compiling information from publicly available sources into one convenient search. This saves you time compared to browsing multiple court websites separately.

However, if you prefer official government channels, the Nevada judiciary provides several options, online portals, in-person requests, and mail or email communication with the Clerk of Court. Each method depends on the type of case and the specific court where it was filed.

Online Access to Nevada Court Records

The Nevada judiciary offers online access to some court records. For appellate cases, you can use the Appellate Case Management System.

Keep in mind that only filed documents are viewable, and some case materials from lower courts may not be available online. For official records, you should contact the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Nevada at (775) 684-1600.

For trial courts, many District, Justice, and Municipal Courts have their own online databases. You can find them through the Nevada Find a Court tool.

In-Person Requests

You may request court records directly at the Office of the Clerk of the Court where the case was filed. Each court sets its own procedures for viewing or copying records. To find contact details and locations, you can use the official directories:

• Nevada District Courts Directory
• Nevada Justice Courts Directory
• Nevada Municipal Courts Directory

By Mail

Many courts in Nevada allow you to request records by mail or email. Instructions vary depending on the county and the type of case. You can find the appropriate mailing addresses and email contacts in the court directories linked above. Court clerks typically provide information about processing times, applicable fees, and whether certified copies are available.

Nevada Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Under the Nevada Public Records Act, you generally have the right to access public records, including court records. These records are created and maintained in compliance with the Nevada Court Rules, which govern how case documents and proceedings are handled.

By accessing these records, you can review information for informational purposes, better understand case outcomes, and learn about both civil and criminal matters.

When you search for Nevada court records online or at the courthouse, you may find:

• Case numbers and filing dates
• Case status (open, pending, or closed)
• Names of case parties and attorneys
• The court where the case was filed
• Docket entries and filings (when available)
• Judgments, orders, or sentencing details

However, certain Nevada court records are not publicly accessible to protect privacy or sensitive details. You may not be able to access:

• Juvenile court records
• Adoption and guardianship cases
• Some family law matters (such as custody evaluations)
• Mental health treatment or evaluations
• Records sealed by court order
• Confidential financial or personal identifiers (such as Social Security numbers)

Court records are intended to promote transparency, but access can vary depending on case type, governing rules, and privacy protections.

Who Oversees the Courts in Nevada?

In Nevada, the Supreme Court serves as the administrative head of all state and county courts. You'll find that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court leads the judiciary and oversees rules and procedures across the system.

Supporting the Chief Justice, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) manages the daily administration of both trial and appellate courts. The AOC provides essential programs and services such as court technology, budgeting, personnel, judicial education, and data management.

The AOC is led by the State Court Administrator, who is currently Katherine Stocks, and she works to carry out the Supreme Court's policy goals, streamline court operations, and help ensure timely and efficient access to justice across Nevada.

What Types of Courts Exist in Nevada?

The Nevada Judiciary interprets state laws and serves as a neutral check on both the Executive and Legislative branches. Its main duty is to provide fair, efficient, and accessible resolution of legal disputes.

Nevada's court system is structured in levels, starting with the Supreme Court at the top and moving down to courts of limited jurisdiction. Each court type has different responsibilities and handles specific case types.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court	The highest court reviews appeals from the District Courts and ensures the correct application of the law.	Appeals, legal and procedural error reviews (not fact-finding trials)
Court of Appeals	Three-judge panel; cases assigned by the Supreme Court under the deflective model.	Appeals redirected from the Supreme Court; civil and criminal appeals
District Courts	General jurisdiction over nearly all legal disputes; also hears appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts.	Criminal cases (felonies), civil disputes, family and juvenile matters, probate, arbitration, and mediation
Justice Courts	Limited jurisdiction; county-level courts funded by counties.	Misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims disputes (< $10,000), evictions, preliminary hearings in felony/gross misdemeanor cases, other civil matters (< $15,000)
Municipal Courts	Limited jurisdiction; city-level courts funded by municipalities.	City ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and misdemeanors within the city limits

What Federal Courts Are In Nevada?

Federal courts in Nevada operate separately from the state judiciary.

While state courts handle matters under Nevada law (like traffic, family, criminal, civil, and probate cases), federal courts hear cases involving federal statutes, the U.S. Constitution, or disputes crossing state lines. Their jurisdiction includes federal criminal offenses, civil cases under federal law, bankruptcy matters, and more.

Below are the federal courts in Nevada, along with their jurisdiction and contact information.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada	General federal trial court for the entire state, handling civil and criminal cases under federal law	Las Vegas: Lloyd D. George Courthouse, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89101 Phone: (702) 464-5400 Reno: Bruce R. Thompson Courthouse, 400 S. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89501 Phone: (775) 686-5800
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada	Federal court handling bankruptcy filings, proceedings, and related matters	Las Vegas: Foley Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 300 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89101 Phone: (702) 527-7000 Reno: C. Clifton Young Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 300 Booth St., Reno, NV 89509 Phone: (775) 326-2100

After decisions are issued in the U.S. District Court or U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Nevada, most appeals are heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, based in San Francisco, California. These courts review whether federal law and procedures were properly applied in the lower court cases.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Nevada Courts?

According to the Nevada Supreme Court Clerk's Office, more than 2,100 cases were filed in the Supreme Court and nearly 700 in the Court of Appeals in a recent year. Meanwhile, the Uniform System for Judicial Records, through the Nevada AOC Research and Statistics Unit, reported that trial courts in the state recorded approximately 1,099,000 cases.

Here's the breakdown of annual trial court case filings by type:

Case Type	Approx. Annual Volume
Criminal	~128,000
Civil	~188,000
Family	~70,000
Juvenile	~9,000
Total Non-Traffic	~395,000
Traffic and Parking	~309,000

For updated statistics, visit the Trial Court Statistics Interactive Tool, and for additional data about these figures, consult the Annual Report of the Nevada Judiciary.

How Do I File a Case in Nevada Courts?

Filing a case in Nevada may feel complicated at first, but the courts provide clear rules, official forms, and options for filing either in person or online. Understanding the right steps helps you avoid delays and ensures your case is processed correctly. Here's a simple, 5-step roadmap to start a case in Nevada courts.

Pick the Right Court and Venue

You must first decide where your case belongs. Nevada's District Courts handle general matters like civil lawsuits, criminal trials, family, and probate cases. Justice Courts oversee small claims, evictions, and misdemeanors, while Municipal Courts cover traffic and ordinance violations within city limits.

To confirm the right court, use the Nevada Judiciary "Find a Court" tool or check the statewide court directories.

Gather Required Forms

Each court requires specific forms before you can file. For example, a civil lawsuit in District Court usually needs a complaint and a civil cover sheet. Small claims cases in Justice Court require a small claims affidavit or complaint form.

You can download statewide forms from the Nevada Self-Help Center or check county-specific websites like the Civil Law Self-Help Center (Clark County) or Second Judicial District Court (Washoe County) Forms.

File Your Papers (Online or in Person)

Most Nevada courts now accept electronic filing. For example, the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals use eFlex, while many District and Justice Courts use the Odyssey File & Serve platform. If your local court doesn't offer e-filing, you must bring your documents to the clerk's office in person. Always ask the clerk about their specific requirements to avoid rejections.

Pay Filing Fees or Request a Waiver

When you file, you'll need to pay the filing fee. For example, in Clark County District Court, filing a civil complaint costs $270. Appeals to the Supreme Court of Nevada require a $250 filing fee. Small claims fees depend on the amount you're suing for. For example, in Sparks and Reno Justice Courts, there is $66 filing fee for claims up to $1,000.

If you cannot afford the fees, you can apply for a waiver using forms available from the Nevada Self-Help Center Court Fees and Fee Waivers page.

Serve the Other Party and Track Your Case

After filing, you are responsible for notifying the other party. This process, called "service of process", usually involves delivering the summons and complaint through a sheriff, constable, or licensed process server. Each court has strict deadlines and rules for service, if not done correctly, your case could be dismissed.

After service, you can monitor your case through your court's online case search portal or by contacting the clerk's office directly.

How Is the Nevada Court System Unique?

Nevada's court system is unique because of its broad range of programs that improve access to justice and support communities. Examples include the AOC Grant Program, Court Improvement Program, Court Interpreters Program, Guardianship Compliance Office, and Settlement Program, along with judicial education, mediation, and support initiatives.

Another distinctive feature is Nevada's network of Specialty Courts. With more than 80 statewide, these courts address substance abuse, mental health, and rehabilitation, offer alternatives to incarceration, reduce repeat offenses, and promote healthier communities.

Nevada Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Carson City
• Churchill
• Clark
• Douglas
• Elko
• Humboldt
• Lincoln
• Lyon
• Nye
• Pershing
• Washoe
• White Pine

Where to Find Additional Information About Nevada Courts?

• Find a Court - Nevada Judiciary
• Nevada Judiciary
• Eighth Judicial District Court
• Records Search and Viewing - Eighth Judicial District Court
• District of Nevada: United States District Court

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