Washoe County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Washoe County
Arrest records in Washoe County are considered public information under Nevada's Public Records Act (NRS Chapter 239). Pursuant to this statute, members of the public have the legal right to access and inspect government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Washoe County. The Nevada Public Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Nevada law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain restrictions may apply to juvenile records or cases that have been sealed by court order.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes them available in accordance with state law. However, pursuant to NRS § 179A.100, certain criminal history information may be restricted if it relates to ongoing investigations or contains sensitive personal information protected by privacy laws.
What's in Washoe County Arrest Records
Washoe County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Residential address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Warrant status
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
- Medical screening results (non-confidential)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Housing location (if incarcerated)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Immigration status (if relevant to the case)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with the Nevada Criminal History Repository standards and regulations.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washoe County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Washoe County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for processing these requests in accordance with Nevada public records laws.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
911 Parr Boulevard
Reno, NV 89512
(775) 328-3001
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
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Complete a public records request form, which requires:
- The full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying. The current fee schedule is available at the Sheriff's Office or on their official website.
To request arrest records by mail:
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Download and complete the Public Records Request Form from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office website.
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Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
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Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and the appropriate fee payment.
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Mail the completed package to:
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
911 Parr Boulevard
Reno, NV 89512
To request arrest records online:
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Visit the Washoe County Sheriff's Office website.
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Navigate to the Public Records section.
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Complete the electronic records request form.
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Submit payment for applicable fees using the secure online payment system.
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Receive records via email or through the online portal, depending on the delivery method selected.
Processing times for arrest record requests vary based on the volume of requests and the complexity of the search. Standard requests are typically processed within 5-10 business days, pursuant to NRS § 239.0107, which requires agencies to respond to public records requests within five business days.
How To Find Washoe County Arrest Records Online
Washoe County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource is the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility Inmate Search, which provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. To utilize this system:
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Visit the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal.
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Enter search criteria such as:
- Inmate name (last name, first name)
- Booking number (if known)
- Date of birth
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Review the search results, which typically include:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
For historical arrest records, the Nevada Criminal History Repository maintains a comprehensive database of arrest information throughout the state, including Washoe County. To access these records:
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Visit the Nevada Department of Public Safety Records, Communications and Compliance Division website.
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Create a user account or log in to an existing account.
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Complete the online request form for criminal history information.
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Provide the required identification verification.
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Submit payment for the record search fee.
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Receive results electronically, typically within 1-3 business days.
Additionally, the Washoe County Second Judicial District Court maintains an online case lookup system that provides information about criminal cases resulting from arrests in the county:
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Navigate to the Washoe County Courts website.
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Access the Case Search function.
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Enter the defendant's name or case number.
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Review case information, including charges, hearing dates, and case disposition.
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest record information, particularly for older cases or those with special handling requirements. For comprehensive arrest records, a formal request through the Sheriff's Office Records Division may be necessary.
How To Search Washoe County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Washoe County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information about arrests and incarcerations within the county.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office maintains a no-cost inmate lookup tool on their official website. This resource provides current information about individuals in custody at the Washoe County Detention Facility. To access this free service:
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Visit the Washoe County Sheriff's Office website.
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Navigate to the "Jail Information" section.
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Select "Inmate Search."
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Enter the individual's name or booking number.
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Review the results, which typically include current charges, booking date, and custody status.
The Washoe County Second Judicial District Court also offers a free online case lookup system that provides information about criminal proceedings resulting from arrests:
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Access the court's website.
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Select "Case Search" from the main navigation menu.
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Enter the defendant's name or case number.
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Review case information, including charges, hearing dates, and case disposition.
For those without internet access, public terminals are available at the following locations:
Washoe County Law Library
75 Court Street, Room 101
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 328-3250
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Lobby
911 Parr Boulevard
Reno, NV 89512
These terminals provide free access to the same online resources available on the Sheriff's Office and court websites.
It is important to note that while basic arrest information is available at no cost, comprehensive criminal history reports and certified copies of records typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, pursuant to NRS § 239.052, agencies may charge reasonable fees for extraordinary use of personnel or resources when fulfilling complex public records requests.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Washoe County
In Washoe County, individuals cannot "delete" arrest records in the conventional sense, but Nevada law provides mechanisms for sealing records under specific circumstances. Record sealing restricts public access to arrest information while maintaining the records for limited official use.
The distinction between record deletion and sealing is significant. Deletion would involve the complete removal of information from government databases, which is not generally permitted under Nevada law. Sealing, however, removes records from public view while preserving them for certain authorized agencies.
Pursuant to NRS Chapter 179, individuals may petition to seal arrest records in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The conviction was set aside or reversed on appeal
- The individual has completed the terms of their sentence and waited the statutory period based on the offense category
The process for sealing arrest records in Washoe County involves these steps:
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Obtain a complete criminal history report from the Nevada Criminal History Repository.
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Gather supporting documentation, including:
- Case disposition documents
- Proof of completed sentence
- Discharge certificates
- Rehabilitation evidence
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Complete the Petition and Order to Seal Records forms available from the Washoe County Second Judicial District Court.
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File the petition with the court where the case was adjudicated:
Washoe County Second Judicial District Court
75 Court Street
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 328-3110
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Pay the required filing fee (fee waivers may be available for eligible individuals).
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Serve copies of the petition on all agencies that maintain the records, including:
- Arresting agency
- District Attorney's Office
- Nevada Criminal History Repository
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Attend the scheduled hearing before a judge, who will determine whether to grant the petition.
If the petition is granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal their records. The sealing process typically takes 30-90 days to complete across all agencies.
Certain serious offenses, including sexual offenses, crimes against children, and felony DUI, are not eligible for sealing under Nevada law. Additionally, pursuant to NRS § 179.245, specific waiting periods apply before records can be sealed, ranging from 1 year for misdemeanors to 10 years for certain felonies.
What Happens After Arrest in Washoe County?
Following an arrest in Washoe County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Nevada state law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages from initial custody to case resolution.
The post-arrest procedure typically follows this sequence:
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Booking Process: Upon arrival at the Washoe County Detention Facility, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Assignment of booking number
- Entry into the jail management system
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Initial Appearance: Within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge for:
- Formal notification of charges
- Bail determination
- Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants
- Scheduling of future court dates
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Pretrial Release Determination: The court evaluates whether the defendant should be:
- Released on their own recognizance
- Released with conditions (such as electronic monitoring)
- Required to post bail
- Held without bail (for certain serious offenses)
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Formal Charging: The Washoe County District Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File a criminal complaint
- Present the case to a grand jury for indictment
- Decline prosecution
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Arraignment: Defendants appear in court to:
- Hear the formal charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Receive trial rights advisement
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Pretrial Proceedings: Before trial, several hearings may occur:
- Status conferences
- Motion hearings
- Evidentiary hearings
- Plea negotiations
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Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:
- A bench trial (decided by a judge)
- A jury trial (for misdemeanors, a six-person jury)
- A jury trial (for felonies, a twelve-person jury)
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Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and fees
- Restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
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Post-Conviction: After sentencing, defendants may:
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- File post-conviction relief petitions
- Apply for sentence modification
Throughout this process, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Washoe County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to qualifying defendants who cannot afford private counsel.
The timeline for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court caseloads, and whether the defendant is in custody or released. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve within 3-6 months, while felony cases may take 6-18 months or longer to reach disposition.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washoe County?
Arrest records in Washoe County are maintained according to Nevada's records retention requirements, which establish specific timeframes for preserving law enforcement documentation. These retention periods ensure both accountability and historical documentation of law enforcement activities.
Pursuant to NRS § 239.080, the State Library, Archives and Public Records Administrator establishes schedules for the retention and disposition of official state records, including arrest records. The Nevada Local Government Records Management Program provides similar guidance for county-level records.
The standard retention periods for arrest records in Washoe County are:
- Arrest Reports: Maintained permanently by the arresting agency
- Booking Records: Retained for a minimum of 10 years after the date of booking
- Fingerprint Cards: Preserved permanently in both physical and digital formats
- Mugshot Photographs: Retained permanently in the agency's records management system
- Investigation Reports: Maintained permanently for felony cases; 10 years for misdemeanors
- Incident Reports: Retained for a minimum of 7 years from the date of the incident
Different agencies within Washoe County may maintain separate records with varying retention requirements:
- The Washoe County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the county's retention schedule.
- The Reno Police Department and Sparks Police Department follow municipal retention schedules that align with state requirements.
- The Nevada Criminal History Repository maintains permanent records of all arrests statewide.
It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, digital versions may be maintained indefinitely in law enforcement databases. Additionally, records that have been sealed pursuant to court order remain in existence but are restricted from public access.
The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:
- Provides documentation for ongoing and future criminal investigations
- Supports prosecution of criminal cases
- Enables background checks for employment and licensing
- Facilitates statistical analysis of crime patterns
- Ensures transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact:
Washoe County Records Management
1001 E. 9th Street
Reno, NV 89512
(775) 328-2000
How to Find Mugshots in Washoe County
Mugshots, the official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in Washoe County under Nevada law. These images serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and form part of the official arrest documentation.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of an arrested individual, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These photographs are created for law enforcement identification purposes and become part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Washoe County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The Washoe County Sheriff's Office, which operates the county detention facility where most bookings occur
- The Reno Police Department and Sparks Police Department for arrests processed through their facilities
- The Nevada Criminal History Repository, which maintains a statewide database of arrest information
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots in Washoe County, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office:
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Records Division
911 Parr Boulevard
Reno, NV 89512
(775) 328-3001
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the standard public records request form, specifying that a mugshot is being requested
- Provide identifying information about the subject, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Pay the applicable fee for photograph reproduction
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office currently provides limited online access to mugshots through their inmate search function, which displays booking photos of individuals currently in custody. Historical mugshots are generally not available through the county's online systems.
Several third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records. However, these sites may:
- Contain outdated or inaccurate information
- Charge fees for removal of photos
- Not reflect cases that have been dismissed or expunged
- Operate outside the jurisdiction of Washoe County authorities
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For the most accurate and current mugshot information, individuals should submit formal requests through official channels. The Nevada Department of Public Safety's Records, Communications and Compliance Division can provide certified copies of criminal history information, including mugshots, for a fee.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records and mugshots are generally confidential under Nevada law
- Records that have been sealed by court order are not available to the public
- Ongoing investigations may result in temporary restrictions on record access
- Privacy protections may apply to certain categories of victims or witnesses
Pursuant to NRS § 179A.100, dissemination of criminal history information, including mugshots, is regulated to balance public access rights with privacy considerations.
Lookup Arrest Records in Washoe County
Nevada State Police Records, Communications and Compliance