Criminal records in Washoe County, Nevada, are available through several channels. WashoeCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office. Online tools, personal visits, and written requests — each of these methods has its own features, described below.
How to Search Criminal Records in Washoe
Start your search with WashoeCourt.us, where you can find public information about the county's criminal cases. You will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the person (name in Latin script)
- Date of birth
- Case number
Online Search
The Washoe County District Court belongs to the Second Judicial District of Nevada. The Washoe County District Court portal provides court contact information and links to the case search system. Search for appellate cases through the Nevada Supreme Court search tool by party name or case number.
To check individuals serving sentences in state correctional facilities, use the Nevada Department of Corrections inmate search. Recent arrests in Northern Nevada are tracked through the Washoe County Detention Facility.
The state-level criminal history is maintained by the Nevada State Police Records, Communications and Compliance Division. A request for a criminal history check is submitted through the criminal records request page with fingerprinting.
In Person
The Washoe County District Court Clerk's Office accepts visitors for record searches at public terminals in the courthouse:
Written Request
A mail request is sent to the district court clerk's office at the address above. Include the full name, date of birth, or case number, as well as a return address. For state-level criminal history, a written request is sent to the Nevada State Police RCCD — details are available on the Records Bureau page.
Search Washoe Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Nevada, the case number format typically includes the following elements:
- Letter Prefix — indicates the type of case (e.g., CR for criminal cases)
- Filing Year — two or four digits of the year the case was filed
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within that year
Example: CR24-01234 indicates a criminal case filed in 2024 under number 01234. If you only have a name, the court search system will provide a list of cases from which you can determine the required number. Note: Justice Court and District Court cases have separate numbering.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Washoe
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code (NRS) | Reference to the specific section of the Nevada Revised Statutes under which charges are filed |
| Severity | Felony, Gross Misdemeanor, Misdemeanor |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or add charges after the initial filing; updated information is reflected in the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — the case is actively being considered by the court
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, the case is closed
Types of Hearings
Each hearing has its purpose. Arraignment — the first court appearance where the defendant learns about the charges. Preliminary hearing determines if there is enough evidence to transfer the case to the district court. Pre-trial conference — parties discuss procedural issues. Sentencing occurs after a guilty plea or jury verdict. Review hearing — the court checks compliance with the sentence conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after trial |
| No Contest (Nolo Contendere) | The defendant does not admit guilt but does not contest the charges |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Washoe
Certified copies of court criminal records are issued by the Washoe County District Court Clerk's Office. To do this, you need to:
- Contact the clerk's office in person or send a written request to the court's address
- Provide the case number or full name and date of birth
- Present a valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Pay the applicable fees
State-level criminal history with official certification can be ordered through the Nevada State Police RCCD. This process requires fingerprinting and completing the appropriate form. Detailed information is available on the Nevada criminal history request page.
Note: Some records may be sealed by court order under NRS 179.245 and are not subject to public disclosure.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Washoe
Below are the approximate fees set according to the current rates of the court clerk's office and the Nevada State Police RCCD. It is recommended to verify exact amounts directly with the institution.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | Standard rate of the Nevada District Court Clerk's Office (NRS 19.013) |
| Certification | $3.00 – $5.00 | Per certified document; depends on the type |
| State criminal history check (name-based) | $27.00 | Through Nevada State Police RCCD |
| State criminal history check (fingerprint-based) | $27.00+ | Additional fee may apply for fingerprinting |
Processing Times
- Court document copies — usually issued the same day for in-person requests; by mail — 5 to 10 business days
- State criminal history — processing through RCCD may take 2 to 6 weeks depending on the submission method and workload
Payment is typically accepted in cash, money order, or check. Some clerk's offices accept credit cards — verify in advance by calling (775) 328-3110.