Las Vegas Record Sealing Lawyer

Take Control of Your Future by Sealing Your Criminal Record

If you’ve been charged with a crime, you know that the consequences can linger long after you’ve served your time. Even after fulfilling your legal obligations, a criminal record can continue to impact various aspects of your life. Whether it’s your career, housing, education, or even voting rights, the stigma of a criminal conviction can persist, often making it harder to move forward. 

At the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, we understand the struggles you face. Our team is committed to helping you seal your criminal record and give you a fresh start, free from the shadows of your past. With years of experience and a proven track record of success, we’ve helped countless clients remove the burden of a criminal history.

Contact us today for a free consultation and start the process of sealing your criminal record. Let us help you move forward with a clean slate!  

The Importance of Sealing Your Criminal Record

Anyone who has been charged with a crime can attest to the fact that punitive results don’t end after their trial and punishment period is over. Any type of conviction can affect a person’s current or future employment opportunities, housing, educational opportunities, voting, and even gun rights. We at the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata know that the stigma attached to being convicted of a crime can unfairly affect you long after you have paid your debt to society. An experienced attorney can help get your records sealed, thus lessening the chances that that record will haunt you forever. At our office we have successfully sealed hundreds of records!

 What Does Sealing a Record Mean?

Sealing a criminal record means that it is no longer accessible to the general public or most employers, landlords, and others who typically conduct background checks. Once your criminal record is sealed, it is essentially hidden from view but still exists in the system. This means that although the public cannot see it, law enforcement and certain legal authorities can still access it when necessary, such as for new criminal investigations or sentencing.  

The purpose of sealing a record is to give individuals a chance to move forward in life without the shadow of past mistakes affecting their future opportunities. It helps ensure that a conviction does not unfairly impact your employment, housing prospects, or personal life. Sealing your record provides a level of privacy and protection, giving you a fresh start without the constant worry of past errors resurfacing.

Sealing a record is not the same as expunging it. Expungement is a process where the record is entirely erased, while sealed records still exist but are not accessible to the public. Sealing allows you to benefit from privacy, while still maintaining a legal record that could be accessed in specific circumstances.  

Understanding the Difference Between Sealing and Expunging Records

The main difference between a sealed record and an expunged record is that with an expungement, your record is destroyed. With a sealed record, the record still exists but is hidden from public view. While many use the term “expungement” interchangeably with “Sealing Records”, the state of Nevada does not allow for expungement, it does allow for your records to be sealed, with many of the waiting periods recently shortened significantly.

 Eligibility for Sealing Criminal Records in Nevada

Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 179.245 deals with the sealing of criminal records. It sets forth who is eligible to have their records sealed and the process they must go through to do so. Sealing these records can be a long process and only certain records are allowed to be sealed, and then only if approved by the court. Different crimes carry with them different rules about record sealing. There are some criminal offenses that are not able to be sealed in Nevada. These include:
  • Felonies involving the use of a deadly weapon
  • Felonies resulting in substantial bodily harm
  • Sexual offenses
  • DUI resulting in death or substantial bodily harm
  • Felonies where the victim was a minor under 18 years old
  • Felonies where the sentence included a prison term
The best way to determine if you are eligible to have your records sealed is by speaking to an attorney. Contact Garrett T. Ogata for a free consultation.   

Felony Convictions That Are Never Eligible for Sealing

Felony DUI or DUI Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm or Death

Under NRS 179.245.5, individuals convicted of felony DUI, or DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm or death, are not eligible to have their records sealed at any point in time. This includes any DUI conviction that causes serious injury or fatalities.

Sexual Offenses

As per NRS 179.245.5, records related to convictions for sexual offenses cannot be sealed. NRS 179.245.7(b)(1)-(15) outlines the specific offenses classified as "sexual offenses" under this statute, which includes various forms of sexual crimes.

Crimes Against a Child

NRS 179.245.5 prohibits the sealing of criminal records for convictions related to crimes against a child. NRS 179.0357 further specifies what constitutes a "crime against a child" for the purposes of this statute, which includes a wide range of offenses involving minors.

The Benefits of Sealing Your Criminal Record

 The main benefit is keeping your criminal record out of the public view. Many people are unaware that even if the charges are dismissed or the crime is pled down to a lesser offense, it will still show on a background check. You are typically asked for a background check when you apply for a job, volunteer position, professional license, or housing rental. Background checks are also common when applying for a loan or insurance. Sealing your records allows for you to continue building your future with fewer barriers from your past.  

Our Commitment to Making the Record Sealing Process Efficient

Our team will offer professional advice and use our knowledge and experience to help achieve your goal. Our goal is to achieve complete record sealing with minimal involvement and inconvenience for you, the client! First, we review and cross-reference the arrests that you have on your scope with the official court records. Once we have determined you are eligible for record sealing we draft all necessary documents required, and will make court appearances if necessary. Our office provides an onsite notary for your convenience when signing any documentation. We also offer discounts to prior clients. Once everything is complete, we contact the court and all other entities involved so you can move on with your life without worrying that your past will continue to hinder your future.

Hire Attorney Garrett T. Ogata Today 

Sealing your criminal record can offer a fresh start and help protect your future opportunities. However, the process can be complex and requires careful attention to legal details. Hiring an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in ensuring your record is sealed correctly and promptly. At the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, we have a proven track record of successfully sealing criminal records for clients in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada.  Contact us today for a free consultation to find out how we can help you take the next step toward a brighter future.  

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I get my record sealed in Las Vegas?
To seal your criminal record in Las Vegas, you must follow a specific legal process. This includes determining your eligibility, filing the required paperwork, and submitting it to the court for review. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring all the necessary steps are completed correctly. Consulting with a Las Vegas record sealing lawyer, like those at the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, can help streamline the process.

How long does it take to seal a record in Nevada?
The time it takes to seal a record in Nevada can vary depending on the specifics of your case, including the type of crime and court processing times. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to complete the record sealing process. Having a knowledgeable lawyer to handle your case can help ensure the process moves forward as efficiently as possible.

What crimes cannot be expunged in Nevada?
In Nevada, certain crimes cannot be expunged or sealed. These include felony convictions involving the use of a deadly weapon, sexual offenses, crimes against children, and DUI convictions resulting in death or substantial bodily harm. Additionally, felonies where the victim was a minor or where the sentence included a prison term are not eligible for sealing. It's important to consult with a legal expert to understand your specific eligibility.

Your Best Option Forward

In legal matters, timing is everything. When it comes to your defense don't wait until later. To get started now, contact our firm through one of the methods below and request a free consultation. 

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