Washoe County Court Records
What Is Washoe County Court Records
Court records in Washoe County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities as defined under Nevada Revised Statutes § 239.010, which establishes the legal framework for public records in the state.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case activities
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.
In Washoe County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
Washoe County District Court
75 Court Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
(775) 328-3110
Washoe County District Court
Washoe County Justice Court
1 South Sierra Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
(775) 325-6500
Washoe County Justice Court
Reno Municipal Court
1 East First Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
(775) 334-2290
Reno Municipal Court
Sparks Justice Court
1675 East Prater Way
Sparks, Nevada 89434
(775) 353-7600
Sparks Justice Court
Sparks Municipal Court
1450 C Street
Sparks, Nevada 89431
(775) 353-2271
Sparks Municipal Court
Each court maintains records for cases within its jurisdiction, including civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, according to the Nevada Judiciary's record management guidelines.
Are Court Records Public In Washoe County
Court records in Washoe County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Nevada Public Records Act (NRS § 239) and the constitutional principle of open courts. The Nevada Constitution, Article 1, Section 11, establishes that "all courts shall be open," creating a presumption of public access to judicial proceedings and associated records.
Publicly accessible court records typically include:
- Civil case files and pleadings
- Criminal case information (post-charging)
- Court dockets and calendars
- Judgments and court orders
- Hearing schedules and outcomes
- Property records related to judgments
- Probate filings and decisions
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed under Nevada Rules for Sealing and Redacting Court Records (SRCR), including:
- Juvenile records (except in specific circumstances)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Cases involving minors as victims
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Information protected by state or federal privacy laws
- Certain domestic violence and family court matters
The Nevada Supreme Court has established specific rules governing public access to court records through Supreme Court Rule 239, which balances the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.
Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada (which includes Washoe County) are governed by federal access policies rather than state regulations, though they generally maintain similar public access principles through the PACER system.
How To Find Court Records in Washoe County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Washoe County may utilize several methods to locate and access judicial documentation. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, each serving different needs and record types.
For in-person requests:
- Identify the appropriate court holding the desired records
- Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying case information
- Present valid identification if required
- Pay applicable copy fees (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve records or schedule a return visit for extensive searches
For written requests:
- Prepare a formal written request including:
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
- Description of records sought
- Preferred delivery method
- Submit the request to the appropriate court clerk by mail or email
- Include payment for anticipated fees (check with specific court for current fee schedule)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing under standard procedures
The Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure establish the framework for records access, with specific procedures varying by court. Requestors should note that research assistance by court staff is limited by policy and available resources.
For certified copies of court records, additional fees apply (currently $5.00 per document plus copy fees), and specific authentication requirements must be met according to NRS § 240.1655.
How To Look Up Court Records in Washoe County Online?
Washoe County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court type and record category, providing different levels of information access.
The primary online resources include:
Washoe District Court Case Search
- Access via the Washoe Courts website
- Search parameters include:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Attorney bar number
- Filing date range
- Records available include civil, criminal, family, and probate cases
- Document images available for some case types with subscription
Nevada Appellate Case Management System
- Access via the Nevada Supreme Court website
- Search by party name, case number, or attorney
- Provides appellate case information, opinions, and orders
- Includes cases from Nevada Supreme Court and Court of Appeals
Justice Court Case Inquiry System
- Access through the Washoe County Justice Court portal
- Search by defendant name or case number
- Provides case status, hearing dates, and disposition information
- Limited to criminal and traffic cases in Justice Courts
Municipal Court Records
- Reno Municipal Court records: Reno Court Portal
- Sparks Municipal Court records: Sparks Court Records
- Search capabilities include citation number, name, and case number
- Primarily covers traffic violations, misdemeanors, and code enforcement
When using these systems, users should note that:
- Registration may be required for certain search functions
- Document viewing fees may apply for full-text access
- Some case types have restricted online access per Nevada Supreme Court ADKT 0404
- Historical records may have limited availability in digital format
- System maintenance occasionally affects availability
How To Search Washoe County Court Records for Free?
Nevada law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in NRS § 239.052, which states that "a governmental entity shall not charge a fee for inspection of a public record." This statutory provision ensures free public access to view court records, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free access options in Washoe County include:
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse during business hours
- Use public access terminals available in courthouse lobbies
- No appointment necessary for general record viewing
- Extended research may require scheduling with court staff
Free Online Resources
- Washoe District Court Case Search - Basic case information available without subscription
- Nevada Supreme Court Case Search - Free access to appellate case information
- Washoe County Justice Court Records - Basic case status information
Public Law Library Access
- Washoe County Law Library
75 Court Street, Room 101
Reno, Nevada 89501
(775) 328-3250
Washoe County Law Library - Provides free public access terminals for court record searches
- Staff available to assist with navigating record systems
- Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
While basic record inspection is free, users should be aware of potential costs for:
- Printed copies ($0.25 per page standard fee)
- Certified documents ($5.00 certification fee plus copy costs)
- Electronic document downloads from subscription services
- Research assistance beyond standard clerk services
The Nevada Judiciary's Access to Court Records Policy establishes uniform standards for public access while balancing privacy concerns and administrative efficiency.
What's Included in a Washoe County Court Record?
Court records in Washoe County contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The content of these records is governed by Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure, Nevada Rules of Criminal Procedure, and court-specific filing requirements.
Standard components of court records include:
Case Initiation Documents
- Complaints and petitions in civil matters
- Criminal complaints or indictments
- Summonses and subpoenas
- Initial appearances and arraignment records
Procedural Documentation
- Motions and responses
- Court orders and rulings
- Hearing notices and minutes
- Continuance requests and decisions
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
Evidentiary Materials
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Witness lists and testimony transcripts
- Expert reports filed with the court
- Affidavits and sworn statements
Disposition Documents
- Judgments and decrees
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Jury verdicts
- Sentencing information in criminal cases
- Dismissal orders
Post-Judgment Records
- Appeals documentation
- Satisfaction of judgment notices
- Probation reports (limited access)
- Enforcement proceedings
- Modification requests
Administrative Information
- Case number and filing date
- Judge assignment
- Attorney information
- Party names and contact details (some may be redacted)
- Court dates and scheduling information
The comprehensiveness of court records varies by case type, with certain proceedings such as family court matters, juvenile cases, and mental health proceedings having specialized content requirements and access restrictions pursuant to NRS § 432B.290 and related statutes.
How Long Does Washoe County Keep Court Records?
Washoe County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Nevada Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule and NRS § 239.125, which govern the preservation and disposition of judicial records throughout the state.
Standard retention periods include:
Felony Cases
- Capital cases: Permanent retention
- Other felonies: 50 years after case closure
- Post-conviction relief petitions: 10 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor Cases
- DUI and domestic violence: 10 years after case closure
- Other misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
Civil Litigation
- General civil cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Small claims: 5 years after disposition
- Evictions: 5 years after judgment
- Civil judgments: 20 years (renewable under NRS § 17.214)
Family Court Records
- Divorce decrees: Permanent retention
- Child custody orders: Until youngest child reaches 25 years
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Paternity cases: 25 years after judgment
Probate Matters
- Wills and estate administration: 25 years after closing
- Guardianships: 7 years after termination
- Conservatorships: 7 years after final accounting
Court Administrative Records
- Court minutes: Permanent retention
- Indexes and registers of actions: Permanent retention
- Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period
- Financial records: 7 years after creation
The Nevada Judicial Records Retention Policy allows for the conversion of paper records to electronic format for long-term storage, with the electronic version serving as the official record after certification. Historical records of significant value may be transferred to the Nevada State Archives for permanent preservation.
Types of Courts In Washoe County
Washoe County's judicial system consists of multiple courts operating at different levels of jurisdiction, each handling specific case types according to Nevada's court structure.
Washoe County District Court
75 Court Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
(775) 328-3110
Washoe County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
General jurisdiction court handling felonies, civil cases over $15,000, family matters, and probate
Washoe County Family Court Division
1 South Sierra Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
(775) 328-3100
Family Court Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Specialized division handling divorce, custody, adoption, and juvenile matters
Reno Justice Court
1 South Sierra Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
(775) 325-6500
Reno Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Limited jurisdiction court handling misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims up to $10,000, and civil cases up to $15,000
Sparks Justice Court
1675 East Prater Way
Sparks, Nevada 89434
(775) 353-7600
Sparks Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Limited jurisdiction court serving the Sparks Township
Incline Village Justice Court
865 Tahoe Boulevard
Incline Village, Nevada 89451
(775) 832-4100
Incline Village Justice Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Limited jurisdiction court serving the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Township
Reno Municipal Court
1 East First Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
(775) 334-2290
Reno Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Limited jurisdiction court handling city ordinance violations and misdemeanors within Reno city limits
Sparks Municipal Court
1450 C Street
Sparks, Nevada 89431
(775) 353-2271
Sparks Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Limited jurisdiction court handling city ordinance violations and misdemeanors within Sparks city limits
The court hierarchy in Nevada proceeds from Municipal and Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction) to District Courts (general jurisdiction), with appeals typically going to the Nevada Court of Appeals or Nevada Supreme Court as appropriate under NRS § 1.428 and related statutes.
What Types of Cases Do Washoe County Courts Hear?
Washoe County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among various courts according to case type, monetary value, and geographic boundaries as established by Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 4 for Justice Courts and NRS Chapter 5 for Municipal Courts.
Washoe County District Court
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil litigation exceeding $15,000 in damages
- Real property disputes
- Complex business litigation
- Administrative agency appeals
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianship proceedings
- Divorce and annulment
- Child custody and support
- Adoption proceedings
- Juvenile delinquency (through Family Division)
- Juvenile dependency and neglect
- Mental health commitments
Justice Courts (Reno, Sparks, Incline Village)
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil cases up to $15,000
- Small claims up to $10,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Temporary protective orders
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
- Search warrant applications
- Marriage ceremonies
Municipal Courts (Reno and Sparks)
- City ordinance violations
- Misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic infractions within city boundaries
- Code enforcement violations
- Parking citations
- Animal control violations
- Public nuisance cases
- DUI cases (first and second offense)
- Domestic violence (first offense)
Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by Nevada Supreme Court Administrative Docket (ADKT) 0439, with certain specialized proceedings directed to dedicated court divisions or specialty courts, including:
- Drug Court
- Mental Health Court
- Veterans Treatment Court
- DUI Court
- Family Drug Court
The Second Judicial District Court Rules further define case management procedures and specialized docket assignments within Washoe County's judicial system.
How To Find a Court Docket In Washoe County
Court dockets in Washoe County provide chronological listings of hearings, filings, and judicial actions for individual cases. Members of the public can access these records through several methods established by court administration.
Online Docket Access
-
Washoe District Court Calendar
- Visit the Washoe Courts Calendar Search
- Search by date, department, case type, or judge
- Results show scheduled hearings and case status
- Updated daily for upcoming proceedings
-
Justice Court Calendars
- Access through Washoe County Justice Court portal
- Search by defendant name, case number, or hearing date
- Displays criminal and civil hearing schedules
- Updated weekly for upcoming court sessions
-
Municipal Court Dockets
- Reno Municipal Court: Reno Court Calendar
- Sparks Municipal Court: Sparks Court Calendar
- Searchable by defendant name or case number
- Shows daily court sessions and assigned judges
In-Person Docket Access
Visitors may review court dockets in person at the respective courthouse by:
- Visiting the clerk's office during business hours
- Requesting the daily court calendar or specific case docket
- Using public access terminals in courthouse lobbies
- Attending the courtroom where proceedings are scheduled (dockets typically posted outside courtrooms)
Telephone Information
Limited docket information is available by telephone:
- District Court: (775) 328-3110
- Reno Justice Court: (775) 325-6500
- Sparks Justice Court: (775) 353-7600
- Reno Municipal Court: (775) 334-2290
When searching for docket information, requestors should have:
- Case number (if known)
- Party names (exact spelling helpful)
- Approximate date of filing or hearing
- Case type or nature of proceeding
The Nevada Rules of Electronic Coverage of Court Proceedings govern public access to hearing information, with certain proceedings subject to restricted access as determined by judicial order or statutory provision.
Which Courts in Washoe County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Nevada's judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to create and maintain verbatim transcripts or recordings of proceedings, while "courts not of record" typically maintain only summary records of cases. This distinction is established by NRS § 1.020, which defines the courts of record in the state.
Courts Not of Record in Washoe County:
Reno Municipal Court
1 East First Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
(775) 334-2290
Reno Municipal Court
Sparks Municipal Court
1450 C Street
Sparks, Nevada 89431
(775) 353-2271
Sparks Municipal Court
As courts not of record, municipal courts in Washoe County:
- Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Maintain case files with summary judgments and dispositions
- Record basic information about charges, pleas, and sentences
- May create audio recordings for internal use, but these are not official transcripts
- Handle appeals through a "trial de novo" (new trial) process in District Court
The practical implications of a court not being a court of record include:
- Appeals from these courts involve a completely new trial in District Court rather than a review of the record
- No official transcript exists for review by higher courts
- Proceedings must be reconstructed from judge's notes and case summaries if needed
- Parties seeking a record of proceedings must arrange for their own court reporter
In contrast, Washoe County courts of record include:
- Second Judicial District Court (including Family Division)
- Reno Justice Court
- Sparks Justice Court
- Incline Village Justice Court
These courts maintain official verbatim records of proceedings pursuant to Nevada Supreme Court Rule 13 and related court administration policies.