Clark Public Records / Clark County Arrest Records

Clark County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Clark County

Arrest records in Clark County are considered public information pursuant to the Nevada Public Records Act, specifically under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 239.010. This statute establishes that all public books and records of governmental entities must be open to public inspection unless declared by law to be confidential. The Nevada Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies.

It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Nevada law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), which serves Clark County, maintains arrest records and makes them available to the public in accordance with state law. However, pursuant to NRS § 179A.100, certain records may be restricted if they pertain to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or contain information that could compromise public safety.

Clark County Records Division
500 S. Grand Central Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89155
(702) 455-4000
Clark County Records Division

What's in Clark County Arrest Records

Clark County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Residential address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (e.g., Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to the arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers for each charge
Classification of charges (felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Facility where individual was booked

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, property)
Whether bail was posted
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Name of assigned judge

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Expected release date (if applicable)
Facility where individual is being held

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation or parole status
Immigration holds
Medical alerts
Behavioral notes
Property inventory

These records are maintained by the Clark County Detention Center and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in accordance with NRS § 179A.075, which establishes the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clark County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to look up arrest records in Clark County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county has established procedures to facilitate public access to these records while maintaining compliance with applicable state laws.

To conduct an arrest record search in Clark County, individuals may follow these steps:

Determine the appropriate agency to contact based on the jurisdiction of the arrest:
- For arrests made by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, contact the LVMPD Records Bureau
- For arrests made by North Las Vegas Police, contact their Records Division
- For arrests made by Henderson Police, contact their Records Bureau
Submit a formal public records request to the appropriate agency:
- Complete the agency's public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name of arrestee, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Present valid identification
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
For in-person requests, visit the records division of the appropriate agency during regular business hours:

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Records Bureau
400 S. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Building B, 2nd Floor
Las Vegas, NV 89106
(702) 828-3271
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

North Las Vegas Police Department Records Division
2332 Las Vegas Blvd. North
North Las Vegas, NV 89030
(702) 633-9111
North Las Vegas Police Department

Henderson Police Department Records Bureau
223 Lead Street
Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 267-4750
Henderson Police Department

For mail requests, send a written request including:
- Specific information about the record being sought
- Copy of valid identification
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Check or money order for applicable fees
For current inmate information, utilize the Clark County Detention Center inmate search function.

Pursuant to NRS § 239.0107, agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days, either by providing the records, denying the request with a citation to legal authority, or providing a date by which the records will be available.

How To Find Clark County Arrest Records Online

Clark County provides several digital resources that allow members of the public to access arrest records through online platforms. These electronic systems have been implemented to enhance transparency and facilitate efficient public access to information.

The primary online resources for accessing Clark County arrest records include:

Clark County Detention Center Inmate Search
- This official portal allows users to search for currently incarcerated individuals
- Information available includes booking number, charges, and custody status
- The system is updated regularly to reflect current inmate population
- Access the inmate search function through the Clark County Detention Center website
Las Vegas Justice Court Records Inquiry
- This system provides access to criminal case information for cases filed in Las Vegas Justice Court
- Users can search by defendant name, case number, or citation number
- The system includes information about charges, court dates, and case disposition
- Access the court records through the Las Vegas Township Justice Court Records Inquiry portal
Nevada Department of Corrections Offender Search
- For individuals who have been transferred to state custody
- Provides information on current inmates in the Nevada prison system
- Includes conviction information and projected release dates
- Access the offender search through the Nevada Department of Corrections website
Clark County District Court Case Search
- For felony cases that have been bound over to District Court
- Provides case information, hearing dates, and disposition information
- Requires creation of a user account for full access
- Available through the Eighth Judicial District Court website

When utilizing these online resources, users should note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and may not constitute a complete official record. For certified copies of arrest records or complete criminal history information, individuals must submit formal requests through the appropriate agencies as outlined in NRS § 179A.100.

How To Search Clark County Arrest Records for Free?

Clark County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without incurring fees through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide basic information while more detailed records may require payment of statutory fees.

Free methods to search Clark County arrest records include:

Public Access Terminals
- Located at the Clark County Detention Center
- Available during regular business hours
- Provide basic booking information for current inmates
- No fee is required to use these terminals
Online Inmate Search
- The Clark County Detention Center inmate search is available at no cost
- Provides current custody status and basic charge information
- Updated regularly with current inmate population
- Accessible 24 hours a day via internet connection
Court Records Online
- The Las Vegas Justice Court Records Inquiry system is free to access
- Provides information on criminal cases including hearing dates and case status
- Does not require registration for basic searches
- Traffic citations are typically updated within 3-4 weeks from hearing dates
Public Court Hearings
- Court proceedings are open to the public per NRS § 1.090
- Arrest information is often discussed during arraignments and preliminary hearings
- Court calendars are posted daily at courthouse locations
- No fee is required to attend public court sessions
Law Library Resources
- The Clark County Law Library provides public access computers
- Staff can assist with navigating public records systems
- Located at the Regional Justice Center
- No fee for basic research assistance

Clark County Law Library
Regional Justice Center
200 Lewis Avenue, 1st Floor
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 455-4696
Clark County Law Library

While these free resources provide access to basic arrest information, more comprehensive records or certified copies typically require payment of statutory fees as established by NRS § 239.052, which allows government agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Clark County

Under Nevada law, individuals may not "delete" arrest records in the traditional sense, but may petition for sealing of records under specific circumstances. Record sealing restricts public access to arrest information while expungement (complete removal) is generally not available in Nevada except for certain marijuana offenses pursuant to Assembly Bill 192 (2019).

The process for sealing arrest records in Clark County involves several distinct steps as outlined in NRS § 179.245 through § 179.301:

Determine Eligibility
- Records eligible for sealing vary based on the nature of the offense and case outcome
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal may be sealed immediately
- Convictions require waiting periods ranging from 1 to 10 years after case completion
- Certain serious offenses, including sex crimes and crimes against children, cannot be sealed
Obtain Criminal History Report
- Request a complete criminal history report from the Nevada Department of Public Safety
- This report will identify all arrests and cases that need to be addressed
- Fingerprinting is required for this process
Gather Case Documentation
- Obtain certified copies of dispositions for all cases
- Documentation must show final outcome (dismissal, acquittal, or conviction)
- Records can be obtained from the court where the case was handled
Prepare Petition and Affidavit
- Complete the Petition and Affidavit to Seal Records forms
- Forms must be specific to each jurisdiction where records exist
- Separate petitions are required for each arresting agency
File Petition with Appropriate Court
- For misdemeanors: File with Justice Court or Municipal Court
- For gross misdemeanors and felonies: File with District Court
- Pay required filing fees (fee waivers may be available for eligible individuals)
Serve the Petition
- Provide copies to the District Attorney's Office
- Serve the arresting agency and Nevada Department of Public Safety
- Proof of service must be filed with the court
Attend Hearing (if required)
- Some petitions may be granted without a hearing
- If a hearing is scheduled, attendance is mandatory
- Be prepared to address any objections raised by the District Attorney
Distribute Order to Seal Records
- If granted, obtain certified copies of the order
- Send to all agencies holding records (police, courts, detention facilities)
- Follow up to ensure compliance with the order

For marijuana-related offenses that have been legalized or decriminalized, individuals may qualify for expedited sealing under NRS § 179.2405, which was amended following the passage of Nevada's marijuana legalization initiative.

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating this complex process. The Clark County Self-Help Center provides information and forms for individuals seeking to seal their records without attorney representation.

Clark County Self-Help Center
Regional Justice Center
200 Lewis Avenue, 3rd Floor
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 671-3970
Clark County Self-Help Center

What Happens After Arrest in Clark County?

Following an arrest in Clark County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Nevada state law and local court rules. This process typically follows a sequential progression through several key stages:

Booking and Initial Detention
- Arrestee is transported to a detention facility (typically Clark County Detention Center)
- Booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collection of personal information
- Property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
- Arrestee is placed in appropriate housing unit
Initial Appearance/48-Hour Hearing
- Must occur within 48 hours of arrest per NRS § 171.178
- Judge informs defendant of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail determination is made based on factors including:
  - Nature and severity of the alleged offense
  - Criminal history
  - Community ties
  - Flight risk assessment
- Public defender may be appointed for indigent defendants
Formal Charging
- Misdemeanors: Prosecutor files a criminal complaint
- Gross Misdemeanors and Felonies: Prosecutor may proceed by:
  - Filing a criminal complaint followed by preliminary hearing
  - Presenting case to grand jury for potential indictment
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges in court
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- For felonies, occurs after preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment
- For misdemeanors, may occur at initial appearance
Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of pre-trial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Case management conferences
- Trial preparation
Trial
- Misdemeanors: Bench trial or six-person jury
- Gross Misdemeanors and Felonies: Twelve-person jury
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
- Unanimous verdict required for conviction
Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence which may include:
  - Incarceration
  - Probation
  - Fines and fees
  - Restitution
  - Community service
  - Treatment programs
Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within specified timeframes
- Potential post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation supervision or transfer to Nevada Department of Corrections

Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to confront witnesses, and right to due process as guaranteed by the Nevada Constitution and the U.S. Constitution.

The timeframe for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court caseloads, and whether the defendant is in custody or released on bail. Misdemeanor cases may resolve within weeks or months, while complex felony cases may take a year or longer to reach disposition.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clark County?

Arrest records in Clark County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Nevada state law, particularly under NRS § 239.080, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the agency maintaining the information.

The Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records division establishes minimum retention periods that all government agencies, including law enforcement, must follow. For arrest records in Clark County, the following retention periods generally apply:

Booking Records and Arrest Reports
- For arrests resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- For arrests not resulting in conviction: Minimum 5-year retention
- Records may be maintained longer at agency discretion
Fingerprint Records
- Criminal fingerprints: Permanent retention by the Nevada Criminal History Repository
- Maintained by the Nevada Department of Public Safety pursuant to NRS § 179A.075
- Linked to State Identification Number (SID) assigned to each individual
Mugshot Photographs
- Generally retained for the same period as the corresponding arrest record
- May be maintained in digital format indefinitely
- Public access may be restricted after case disposition
Investigation Reports
- Felony cases: Minimum 20-year retention
- Misdemeanor cases: Minimum 5-year retention
- Homicide and sexual assault cases: Permanent retention
Court Records Related to Arrests
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10-year retention
- Index information: Permanent retention

It is important to note that different agencies within Clark County may maintain separate records systems with varying retention practices. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Clark County Detention Center, District Attorney's Office, and court system each maintain their own records, though information is often shared between these agencies.

Digital records management systems have extended the practical retention of many records beyond the minimum requirements, as electronic storage has reduced the physical constraints that previously limited record retention. Consequently, arrest information may remain accessible through various databases long after the minimum retention period has expired.

Records that have been sealed by court order pursuant to NRS § 179.245 through § 179.301 are removed from public access but are not physically destroyed. These records remain available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, such as subsequent criminal proceedings or applications for certain types of employment.

How to Find Mugshots in Clark County

Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and serve as visual identification records of individuals processed through the Clark County criminal justice system. These photographs are maintained by law enforcement agencies and may be accessible to the public under certain conditions.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals taken during the booking process. These images are linked to the arrest record and include identifying information such as the booking number and date of arrest. The primary purpose of mugshots is to provide visual identification of individuals in custody for law enforcement purposes.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Clark County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD)
Clark County Detention Center
North Las Vegas Police Department
Henderson Police Department
Nevada Department of Corrections (for state inmates)

Each agency maintains its own records system, though information is often shared between agencies through integrated criminal justice information systems.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Clark County have several options:

Submit a Public Records Request
- File a formal request with the arresting agency
- Provide specific information about the individual (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
- Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or through online portals
Check Online Inmate Information Systems
- Current inmates' mugshots may be viewable through the Clark County Detention Center inmate search
- State prison inmates' photos may be available through the Nevada Department of Corrections offender search
Review Court Records
- Mugshots are sometimes included in court case files
- Access court records through the clerk's office or online portals
- May require payment of copying fees

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While some mugshots may be available through official government websites, Clark County law enforcement agencies have generally restricted the mass release of booking photographs to third-party websites. Nevada enacted Assembly Bill 356 in 2021, which prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots and requires them to remove mugshots upon request if the person was acquitted or had charges dismissed.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals should:

Contact the Records Bureau of the arresting agency
Complete a public records request form
Provide identification and specific information about the record sought
Pay applicable fees (typically $5-10 per photograph)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records are confidential under NRS § 62H.030
Records sealed by court order are not publicly accessible
Ongoing investigations may limit access to certain booking photographs
Privacy considerations may apply in sensitive cases

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that these photographs are created for law enforcement purposes, and their dissemination and use may be subject to legal restrictions.

Lookup Arrest Records in Clark County

Clark County Inmate Search

Las Vegas Township Justice Court Records Inquiry

Nevada Department of Corrections Inmate Search

Clark County Records Request Portal

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