Clark County Public Records /Clark County Court Records

Clark County Court Records

What Is Clark County Court Records

Court records in Clark County encompass the official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. Pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes § 239.010, these records constitute public information maintained by the courts for administrative and historical purposes. Clark County court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judicial decisions
Judgments and decrees
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Marriage and divorce records
Probate and estate documentation

Court records differ from other public records maintained by Clark County agencies. While the Clark County Recorder's Office maintains property records, deeds, and liens, and the County Clerk manages marriage licenses and business filings, court records specifically document judicial proceedings.

The Nevada Judiciary maintains court records across multiple jurisdictions within Clark County, including:

Eighth Judicial District Court (District Court)
Las Vegas Justice Court
North Las Vegas Justice Court
Henderson Justice Court
Las Vegas Municipal Court
North Las Vegas Municipal Court
Henderson Municipal Court
Family Court

These courts generate records for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, creating a comprehensive repository of legal proceedings within Clark County.

Are Court Records Public In Clark County

Court records in Clark County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Nevada's Public Records Law (NRS Chapter 239) and the Nevada Supreme Court Rules on Access to Court Records (SRCR). The Nevada Constitution and statutory provisions establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and records.

Under current law, the following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed records)
Criminal case files (post-charging, with exceptions for sealed or expunged records)
Judgments, orders, and decrees
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Marriage and divorce records

However, certain categories of records may be restricted from public access, including:

Juvenile records (except in specific circumstances)
Sealed records pursuant to court order
Records containing confidential personal information
Mental health proceedings
Adoption records
Certain family court matters involving minors
Grand jury proceedings

The Nevada Supreme Court has established specific rules governing public access to court records through the Nevada Rules for Sealing and Redacting Court Records. These rules balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the administration of justice.

Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada (which includes Clark County) are governed by federal access rules and are available through the federal PACER system, separate from state and county court records.

How To Find Court Records in Clark County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Clark County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

Identify the specific court where the case was filed
Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form providing case information
Present valid identification
Pay applicable copy fees if requesting physical copies

Online Access:

Navigate to the appropriate court's online portal
Register for an account if required
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
Review available documents
Download or request copies as needed

Written Requests:

Submit a formal written request to the relevant court clerk
Include specific case information and documents sought
Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
Enclose applicable fees for copies and certification
Allow processing time as specified by the court

For certified copies of court records, requestors must typically submit applications in person or by mail to the appropriate court clerk's office. Certification fees apply in addition to standard copy charges.

Under current Nevada law, certain records may require court authorization for access. In such instances, individuals must file a motion with the court demonstrating legitimate interest or legal entitlement to the requested records.

How To Look Up Court Records in Clark County Online?

Clark County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. Each system contains different record types based on the court's jurisdiction:

Eighth Judicial District Court Records: The Clark County District Court maintains an online case lookup system for district court cases. Users may search by:

Case number
Party name
Attorney name
Filing date range
Case type

This system includes civil, criminal, family, and probate cases filed in District Court.

Justice Court Records: The Clark County Justice Court Case Search portal provides access to cases from multiple justice courts, including:

Las Vegas Justice Court
North Las Vegas Justice Court
Henderson Justice Court

Users must accept terms of use before searching for cases by name, case number, or citation number.

Las Vegas Justice Court Records: The Las Vegas Township Justice Court Records Inquiry system offers specialized access to:

Criminal records
Civil records
Traffic citations
Court calendars

Marriage Records: The Clark County Clerk's Office maintains an online search system for marriage records. Users can search by:

Last name
First name
Date range

Nevada Supreme Court and Court of Appeals: The Nevada Appellate Courts provide case information for appeals from Clark County cases through their case search portal.

When using these systems, users should note that:

Some records may require registration or subscription
Certain document types may be viewable only in summary form
Complete case files may require in-person requests
Recent filings may experience processing delays before appearing online

How To Search Clark County Court Records for Free?

Clark County residents and members of the public may access certain court records without payment under provisions of Nevada's Public Records Law (NRS § 239.010). The statute guarantees the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free access options currently available include:

In-Person Inspection:

Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during business hours
Request to view specific case files
Examine records at designated viewing stations
Take notes as needed (photography may be restricted)

Free Online Resources:

Clark County Justice Court Case Search - Basic case information for justice court matters
Las Vegas Township Justice Court Records - Case status and calendar information
Clark County Clerk's Marriage Records - Basic marriage record verification

Public Access Terminals:

Located in courthouse lobbies and law libraries
Provide free access to electronic court records
May offer more comprehensive access than public websites
Available during regular business hours

Law Library Resources:

The Clark County Law Library provides public access computers
Staff assistance for navigating court record systems
Reference materials explaining court document types

While inspection is free, standard fees apply for copies, certified documents, and extensive searches requiring staff assistance. Current copy fees are set by court administrative orders pursuant to NRS § 19.013.

What's Included in a Clark County Court Record?

Clark County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. A typical court record file may include:

Case Initiation Documents:

Complaints or petitions
Summonses and service of process documentation
Initial appearances or arraignments in criminal cases
Filing fee receipts

Procedural Documents:

Motions and supporting memoranda
Responses and replies to motions
Court orders and rulings
Notices of hearing
Subpoenas and witness lists
Certificates of service

Evidentiary Materials:

Affidavits and declarations
Exhibits admitted during hearings or trials
Deposition transcripts (when filed)
Expert reports and evaluations
Documentary evidence

Judgment and Post-Judgment Documents:

Verdicts and findings of fact
Final judgments and decrees
Sentencing orders in criminal cases
Probation terms and conditions
Restitution orders
Appeals documentation
Satisfaction of judgment notices

Administrative Records:

Case docket sheets listing all filings and events
Court reporter logs
Hearing and trial transcripts (when ordered)
Jury selection records (in applicable cases)
Court calendar entries

Specialized Documents by Case Type:

Criminal cases: charging documents, plea agreements, pre-sentence reports
Civil cases: settlement agreements, damage calculations
Family cases: parenting plans, child support worksheets, financial disclosures
Probate cases: wills, inventories, accountings, distribution plans

The Clark County District Court maintains these records according to standardized filing systems established by the Nevada Supreme Court's administrative directives.

How Long Does Clark County Keep Court Records?

Clark County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Nevada Supreme Court under authority granted by NRS § 239.125. Retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance:

Criminal Case Records:

Felony cases: Permanent retention for serious offenses (homicide, sexual assault)
Other felonies: 50 years after case closure
Gross misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
Misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
Traffic violations: 3 years after case closure

Civil Case Records:

Real property cases: Permanent retention
General civil litigation: 10 years after final judgment
Small claims: 5 years after judgment
Evictions: 5 years after disposition
Temporary protective orders: 3 years after expiration

Family Court Records:

Divorce with children: Permanent retention
Divorce without children: 30 years after decree
Child custody/support: Until youngest child reaches 25 years
Adoption: Permanent retention
Paternity: Permanent retention

Probate Records:

Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
Guardianships: 10 years after termination
Conservatorships: 10 years after termination

Court Administrative Records:

Docket sheets and indices: Permanent retention
Court minutes: Permanent retention
Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period
Financial records: 7 years after creation

The Clark County Clerk's Office manages record retention for district court cases, while individual justice and municipal courts maintain their own records according to the same state-mandated schedules.

Records scheduled for destruction may be preserved if they possess historical significance or are subject to litigation holds. Sealed or expunged records follow specialized retention protocols to ensure confidentiality.

Types of Courts In Clark County

Clark County's judicial system encompasses multiple court levels with distinct jurisdictions and authority:

Eighth Judicial District Court
Regional Justice Center
200 Lewis Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89155
(702) 671-0700
Eighth Judicial District Court

The District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, family law, juvenile matters, and probate cases. It is divided into specialized divisions including criminal, civil, family, and business.

Clark County Family Court
Family Court and Services Center
601 North Pecos Road
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 455-2590
Clark County Family Court

A division of the District Court handling divorce, custody, child support, adoption, termination of parental rights, and juvenile dependency matters.

Las Vegas Justice Court
Regional Justice Center
200 Lewis Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89155
(702) 671-3400
Las Vegas Justice Court

Handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims up to $10,000, civil cases up to $15,000, and conducts preliminary hearings for felony cases within Las Vegas Township.

North Las Vegas Justice Court
2428 N. Martin Luther King Blvd.
North Las Vegas, NV 89032
(702) 455-7801
North Las Vegas Justice Court

Jurisdiction over misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims, and civil cases up to $15,000 within North Las Vegas Township.

Henderson Justice Court
243 Water Street
Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 455-7951
Henderson Justice Court

Handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims, and civil cases up to $15,000 within Henderson Township.

Las Vegas Municipal Court
100 E. Clark Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 229-6464
Las Vegas Municipal Court

Jurisdiction over municipal code violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within Las Vegas city limits.

North Las Vegas Municipal Court
2332 Las Vegas Blvd. North
North Las Vegas, NV 89030
(702) 633-1130
North Las Vegas Municipal Court

Handles municipal code violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within North Las Vegas city limits.

Henderson Municipal Court
243 Water Street
Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 267-3300
Henderson Municipal Court

Jurisdiction over municipal code violations, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses occurring within Henderson city limits.

The court hierarchy in Nevada proceeds from Municipal/Justice Courts to District Courts, then to the Nevada Court of Appeals, and finally to the Nevada Supreme Court for appeals.

What Types of Cases Do Clark County Courts Hear?

Clark County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority:

Eighth Judicial District Court:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits exceeding $15,000
Real property disputes
Administrative appeals
Probate and estate administration
Business court matters (commercial litigation)
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Mental health commitments
Appeals from justice and municipal courts

Family Court Division:

Divorce and annulment proceedings
Child custody and visitation disputes
Child support establishment and enforcement
Spousal support (alimony) determinations
Property division in domestic relations
Adoption proceedings
Termination of parental rights
Guardianship of minors
Juvenile dependency cases
Domestic violence protective orders
Paternity establishment

Justice Courts:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Traffic violations
Civil lawsuits up to $15,000
Small claims up to $10,000
Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
Temporary protective orders
Preliminary hearings for felony cases
Search warrant applications
Bail determinations

Municipal Courts:

Municipal code violations
Misdemeanors occurring within city limits
Traffic violations within city boundaries
Parking infractions
Animal control violations
Business license violations
Building code infractions
Noise complaints and nuisance violations

Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by NRS Chapter 4 for justice courts, NRS Chapter 5 for municipal courts, and NRS Chapter 3 for district courts. The Nevada Judiciary administers these courts under the supervision of the Nevada Supreme Court.

How To Find a Court Docket In Clark County

Court dockets in Clark County provide chronological listings of all filings, appearances, and judicial actions in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

For District Court cases, visit the Eighth Judicial District Court website
For Justice Court matters, use the Clark County Justice Court Case Search
For Las Vegas Justice Court specifically, access the Las Vegas Township Justice Court Records Inquiry
Enter search criteria (case number preferred for most accurate results)
Review the chronological listing of case events and filings

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the clerk's office for the appropriate court
Request docket information for specific cases
Provide case number or party names for search assistance
Review docket sheets at public terminals or request printed copies

Court Calendar Information:

Access the Clark County Courts website
Navigate to the specific court's calendar section
Search by date, courtroom, or judicial officer
Review scheduled hearings and proceedings

Register of Actions Requests:

Submit a written request to the court clerk
Include case information and specify "Register of Actions" or "Docket Sheet"
Pay applicable fees for printed copies
Allow processing time as specified by the court

Docket information typically includes:

Case number and filing date
Party names and attorney information
Chronological listing of all documents filed
Hearing dates and outcomes
Judicial rulings and orders
Case status and disposition

For specialized dockets such as criminal arraignments or traffic calendars, contact the specific court directly as these may follow different publication schedules and access procedures.

Which Courts in Clark County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Clark County, certain courts operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings as part of their official record. According to NRS § 1.020, courts not of record include:

Municipal Courts:

Las Vegas Municipal Court
North Las Vegas Municipal Court
Henderson Municipal Court
Boulder City Municipal Court
Mesquite Municipal Court

Small Claims Courts:

Small claims divisions within all justice courts

These courts typically handle:

Minor criminal offenses (misdemeanors)
Traffic violations
Municipal code infractions
Small claims civil matters (under $10,000)

In courts not of record:

Proceedings are not automatically transcribed by court reporters
Audio recordings may be maintained but are not considered the official record
Appeals from these courts proceed as "trials de novo" (new trials) in district court
The appellate court does not review a transcript but conducts a completely new hearing

By contrast, courts of record in Clark County include:

Eighth Judicial District Court (including Family Court Division)
All Justice Courts for proceedings other than small claims

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:

Appeal procedures and standards of review
Record-keeping requirements
Availability of transcripts for later proceedings
Precedential value of decisions

This classification system is established by the Nevada Constitution and implemented through statutes and Supreme Court rules governing judicial administration.