Court records of Washoe County, Nevada, are available through several channels. WashoeCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official online portals of the Nevada court system, directly at the Clerk of Court, or at public terminals in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to the county's court system, hearing calendar, obtaining document copies, and current fees.
Washoe Court System & Jurisdictions
Several judicial instances operate in Washoe County, each with its jurisdiction. Knowing which court handled the case is the first step to finding the necessary file.
Second Judicial District Court (District Court)
This is the county's general jurisdiction court. It handles:
- Criminal cases — felonies and certain categories of misdemeanors
- Civil claims over $15,000
- Family cases — divorce, child custody, alimony, protective orders
- Probate cases — estate administration, adult guardianship
- Appeals from lower courts
The court is located in Reno and is part of the Nevada district court system.
Reno Justice Court and Sparks Justice Court
These limited jurisdiction courts handle the bulk of everyday cases:
- Misdemeanors (minor offenses)
- Civil disputes up to $15,000
- Small claims — up to $10,000
- Traffic violations
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Each Justice Court serves its township. Reno Justice Court covers most of the county.
Reno Municipal Court
The Reno Municipal Court handles violations of city ordinances and certain categories of traffic offenses within the city. If a ticket is issued by Reno police, the case is most likely to be heard here.
Washoe Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be checked in several ways.
- County court website. The Washoe County District Court page publishes links to online calendars and judges' schedules. The calendar is usually updated daily.
- Nevada court system portal. Through the main Nevada Judiciary website, you can search for cases and view scheduled hearing dates.
- Phone inquiry. By calling the Clerk of Court at (775) 328-3110, you can confirm the date and time of a specific hearing.
- Public terminals. Computers are available in the courthouse lobby at 75 Court Street, where visitors can view the calendar and case files.
For appellate cases of the Nevada Supreme Court, there is a separate case search where oral argument dates and case status are displayed.
How to Get a Copy of a Washoe Court Document
Most county court documents are public — except for sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain family cases, access to which is restricted according to NRS Chapter 125.
Certified and Non-Certified Copies
The Clerk of Court issues two types of copies:
- Non-certified copy — a regular printout of the document. Suitable for review.
- Certified copy — has the seal and signature of the clerk, confirming authenticity. Required for submission to other authorities, foreign consulates, or employers.
How to Order
- In person. Visit the Clerk of Court in the courthouse. You will need the case number or the full name of the party and the approximate filing date.
- By mail. Send a written request specifying the case number, document type, and include a check or money order to the Clerk's office:
- Online. Some documents are available through the electronic court system. Check for the required file on the district court page. Online downloaded copies are generally not certified.
To obtain a state-level criminal history, contact the Nevada State Police Records Division — this division maintains a centralized registry.
Washoe Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to NRS Chapter 19 and internal administrative court orders. Below are approximate rates — confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office, as they are periodically reviewed.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Case search by name (clerk search) | Depends on volume; check with the clerk |
| Regular document copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $3.00 – $5.00 per document |
| Copy of court judgment (judgment/decree) | Copying cost + certification |
| Criminal history request (through Nevada State Police) | $27.00 (based on fingerprints) |
The court accepts payment in cash, money order, and, in most cases, credit cards. Personal checks are sometimes not accepted — it's better to confirm in advance by phone.
Information about inmates serving sentences in state correctional facilities can be found through the inmate search on the Nevada Department of Corrections website. For recently detained individuals in Reno, check the Washoe County Detention Facility data.
If you need a traffic accident report filed by the Nevada Highway Patrol, submit a request through the Department of Public Safety public records form in accordance with NRS 480.600.
Current case data for the county is also available on WashoeCourt.us.