Washoe County Criminal Records
What Is Washoe County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Washoe County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes § 179A, which establishes the framework for criminal history record information in the state.
Criminal records in Washoe County typically include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Washoe County Sheriff's Office or Reno Police Department
- Court Records: Official proceedings in the Second Judicial District Court or Reno Justice Court
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Washoe County Detention Facility or state correctional institutions
Important distinctions exist between different types of criminal records:
- Arrest vs. Conviction Records: An arrest record documents only that an individual was taken into custody, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt. Under Nevada law, arrests without convictions may have limited public accessibility.
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment in state prison, while misdemeanors are lesser offenses typically punishable by county jail time or fines.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 18 are generally sealed and not publicly accessible without a court order, pursuant to NRS § 62H.100-170.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants represent current enforcement actions, while historical records document past proceedings.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Washoe County include:
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
911 Parr Boulevard
Reno, NV 89512
(775) 328-3001
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Second Judicial District Court
75 Court Street
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 328-3110
Second Judicial District Court
Nevada Department of Public Safety, Records Bureau
333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 684-6262
Records Bureau
These records typically document the full criminal justice process, including charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Washoe County
Criminal records in Washoe County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Nevada Public Records Act (NRS Chapter 239). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
NRS § 239.010 states: "All public books and public records of a governmental entity, the contents of which are not otherwise declared by law to be confidential, must be open at all times during office hours to inspection by any person."
However, important exceptions and limitations apply to criminal record accessibility:
Publicly Available Records:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Booking information and mugshots
- Sex offender registry information
- Inmate custody status
Restricted or Confidential Records:
- Active criminal investigations (NRS § 239.010(4))
- Juvenile records (sealed by default under NRS § 62H.100-170)
- Records sealed by court order (NRS § 179.245-179.301)
- Records expunged or subject to limited disclosure by statute
- Victim information in certain cases
- Grand jury proceedings
The Nevada Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access criminal records while recognizing legitimate privacy and security concerns. In Donrey of Nevada v. Bradshaw (1990), the court established a balancing test weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests and potential harm from disclosure.
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Washoe County must follow established procedures for record requests, which may vary by agency. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office and Second Judicial District Court maintain separate systems for record access, each with specific protocols pursuant to NRS § 239.0107.
Law enforcement agencies may withhold certain information if disclosure would:
- Jeopardize ongoing investigations
- Reveal confidential sources or techniques
- Endanger individuals involved in the case
- Interfere with a defendant's right to a fair trial
Records that have been sealed by court order are not accessible to the general public. Nevada law provides mechanisms for record sealing under specific circumstances, particularly for non-violent offenses after prescribed waiting periods.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Washoe County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Washoe County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.
For in-person requests at the Washoe County Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a Public Records Request Form, available at the counter
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, case number)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($0.50 per page for standard documents)
- Allow processing time as required by NRS § 239.0107 (five business days for initial response)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Records Division
911 Parr Boulevard
Reno, NV 89512
(775) 328-3001
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
For court records from the Second Judicial District Court:
- Visit the Court Clerk's Office at the Washoe County Courthouse
- Request case information at the public terminal computers
- Provide case number or party name for search
- Review available records on-site
- Request copies of specific documents ($1.00 per page)
- For certified copies, additional fees apply ($3.00 per certification)
Second Judicial District Court Clerk's Office
75 Court Street
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 328-3110
Second Judicial District Court
For statewide criminal history information:
- Submit a Criminal History Record Request form to the Nevada Department of Public Safety
- Include a completed fingerprint card (available at law enforcement agencies)
- Provide required identification documentation
- Include payment for processing fees ($27.00 for standard search)
- Submit by mail or in person to the Records Bureau in Carson City
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing
Nevada Department of Public Safety Records Bureau
333 West Nye Lane, Suite 100
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 684-6262
Nevada Criminal History Records Request
For attorney or authorized representative requests:
- Submit a notarized authorization from the subject of the records
- Include proof of identity for both the requestor and subject
- Specify exactly which records are being requested
- Follow standard agency procedures for submission
- Pay applicable fees for search and copies
Pursuant to NRS § 239.0107, agencies must respond to record requests within five business days, either by providing the records, denying the request with legal justification, or requesting additional time if necessary.
How To Find Criminal Records in Washoe County Online?
Washoe County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital portals offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
The primary online resources include:
Washoe County Court Case Search
- Access through the Second Judicial District Court website
- Search by name, case number, or attorney
- View case summaries, hearing dates, and party information
- Access some filed documents (not all documents are available online)
- No registration required for basic searches
- Advanced features require account creation
- Updated daily with new case information
Washoe County Sheriff's Inmate Search
- Available through the Washoe County Sheriff's Office website
- Search current inmates by name
- View booking information, charges, and custody status
- Check scheduled release dates when available
- No registration or fees required
- Updated in real-time as custody status changes
Nevada Criminal History Records Portal
- Access through the Nevada Department of Public Safety
- Requires account registration and verification
- Provides official criminal history reports
- Includes statewide records beyond Washoe County
- Fees apply for each search ($27.00 standard fee)
- Results typically available immediately upon payment
Nevada Offender Tracking Information System (NOTIS)
- Maintained by the Nevada Department of Corrections
- Search for current and former state inmates
- View conviction information and sentence details
- Check parole eligibility and discharge dates
- No registration or fees required
- Updated regularly with custody changes
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Not all criminal records are available online
- Older cases may have limited electronic information
- Sealed or expunged records will not appear in searches
- Some sensitive case types have restricted online access
- Document images may require in-person requests
- Official certified copies cannot be obtained online
For comprehensive searches, users may need to utilize multiple systems, as each database contains different record types. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and detention records, while the Second Judicial District Court houses case proceedings and dispositions.
Online access is governed by Nevada Supreme Court Rules on Electronic Access to Court Records, which balance public access with privacy concerns. Certain information, such as social security numbers and financial account details, is redacted from online court records.
Can You Search Washoe County Criminal Records for Free?
Washoe County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain limitations apply. Pursuant to NRS § 239.052, government agencies may charge reasonable fees to recover the actual cost of providing copies of public records, but inspection of records at agency offices is generally available without charge.
Free inspection options include:
In-Person Inspection at Washoe County Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a Public Records Request Form
- Review available records on-site at no charge
- Copy fees apply only if printed copies are requested ($0.50 per page)
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Records Division
911 Parr Boulevard
Reno, NV 89512
(775) 328-3001
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Court Record Terminals at Second Judicial District Court
- Access public terminals in the courthouse lobby
- Search case information by name or case number
- View case summaries and register of actions
- No fee for on-site electronic viewing
- Printing fees apply for hard copies ($1.00 per page)
Second Judicial District Court
75 Court Street
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 328-3110
Second Judicial District Court
Free online resources include:
- Washoe County Sheriff's Inmate Search: Current custody information available at no cost
- Second Judicial District Court Case Search: Basic case information accessible without fees
- Nevada Offender Search: State prison inmate information provided free of charge
- Sex Offender Registry: Public safety information available without cost
However, certain record searches do involve fees:
- Comprehensive criminal history reports from the Nevada Department of Public Safety ($27.00)
- Certified copies of court documents ($3.00 certification fee plus copy costs)
- Background checks for employment or licensing purposes (fees vary)
- Expedited record searches (additional fees may apply)
The Nevada Public Records Act allows agencies to waive fees when the waiver would benefit the general public. Requests from researchers, journalists, or non-profit organizations may qualify for fee waivers at the discretion of the records custodian.
For individuals seeking their own records, the Nevada Criminal History Repository provides a mechanism to review personal criminal history information, though standard fees apply for this service.
What's Included in a Washoe County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Washoe County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content varies based on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency, but generally includes the following categories:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph when available
- Last known address or residence
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (may differ from formal charges)
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility location
- Release date and conditions (if applicable)
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (District Court, Justice Court)
- Judge or judicial officer assigned
- Formal charges filed by prosecution
- Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea entered by defendant
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Hearing dates and proceedings
- Motion filings and judicial rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Dismissed or amended charges
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history and restrictions
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Probation or parole conditions
- Risk assessment classifications
- Victim restitution status
Criminal records maintained by the Washoe County Sheriff's Office focus primarily on arrest, booking, and detention information, while the Second Judicial District Court maintains case proceedings, dispositions, and sentencing details.
The Nevada Department of Public Safety's Records Bureau compiles comprehensive criminal history information from multiple agencies statewide, providing the most complete record of an individual's criminal history across jurisdictions.
Pursuant to NRS § 179A.100, certain information may be redacted from publicly available records, including social security numbers, victim identifying information, and details related to ongoing investigations.
How Long Does Washoe County Keep Criminal Records?
Washoe County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under Nevada Administrative Code § 239.155, which implements the provisions of the Nevada Public Records Act. These schedules vary by record type and maintaining agency.
The standard retention periods for common criminal record types include:
Arrest Records and Booking Information:
- Adult felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Adult misdemeanor arrests: 10 years after case closure
- Juvenile arrests: Until age 25, unless sealed earlier
- Booking photographs: Retained with corresponding arrest records
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
Court Case Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 5 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: 10 years after case closure
- Protective orders: 10 years after expiration
- Court recordings/transcripts: Permanent for felonies, 10 years for misdemeanors
Incarceration Records:
- County jail inmate files: 10 years after release
- State prison inmate files: 25 years after final discharge
- Probation/parole records: 10 years after supervision ends
Investigative Records:
- Homicide/serious felony investigations: Permanent retention
- Other felony investigations: 20 years after closure
- Misdemeanor investigations: 5 years after closure
- Unfounded/unsubstantiated cases: 5 years after closure
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office and Second Judicial District Court may maintain records beyond these minimum periods, particularly for serious offenses. Digital conversion has enabled longer retention of many record types that previously had shorter physical storage periods.
Certain records receive special treatment:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention regardless of outcome
- Sexual offense cases: Extended retention periods (typically 75 years)
- Juvenile records: Subject to sealing provisions under NRS § 62H.100-170
- DNA evidence: Retained according to statute of limitations plus additional period
Records that have been sealed by court order are removed from public access but are not physically destroyed. These records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts under limited circumstances as specified in NRS § 179.301.
The Nevada State Library and Archives provides oversight for records retention compliance through the Records Management Program, which establishes minimum retention periods for all government records, including criminal justice information.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records, though the storage medium differs. The transition to electronic record-keeping has facilitated longer retention periods for many record types due to reduced storage constraints.
Lookup Criminal Records in Washoe County
Nevada Criminal History Records Request