4. Can I do community service instead of paying fines?

Judges usually permit people to do public service in lieu of fines, but defendants need to ask for the judge’s permission first. People can work off $10 by serving one hour.

5. What is the penalty if I miss court?

Defendants in criminal cases who then fail to appear (NRS 199.335) when required will probably get a bench warrant. Once that happens, the best thing defendants can do is hire a lawyer to file a motion to quash the warrant.

In most cases, the attorney can then appear at the bench warrant hearing without the defendant having to be there. And unless there are extenuating circumstances, the judge will usually grant the attorney’s request to recall the warrant.

While the warrant is outstanding, defendants must be careful to drive safely and do nothing to attract police attention. If police run a person’s name and see a warrant, they will arrest him/her right away.

Defendants facing civil matters who fail to appear may get a default judgment taken out against them.

6. Is the parking free?

Yes. There is plenty of free parking in the courthouse parking lot.

7. What if I do not live in Nevada?

The safest bet for out-of-state defendants is to hire a local Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer to make all court appearances for them. As long as defendants have an attorney, they should never have to personally appear. Exceptions are if the case goes to preliminary hearing or trial.

8. Will I get a public defender?

Defendants in NLVJC criminal cases will be appointed public defenders from the Clark County Public Defenders Office if they cannot afford to pay for private counsel. But hiring a private attorney may greatly increase defendants’ chances of getting their charges reduced or dismissed. So defendants are advised to retain their own lawyer if at all possible. Many will work for reduced rates and agree to payment plans.

9. Can I bring firearms to court?

Never. They will be confiscated at the security checkpoint, where everyone must go through a metal detector.

10. Can I get a translator?

Yes, but call the District Court Interpreter’s Office ahead of time at (702) 455-4279. Judges also allow non-English-speakers to bring their own interpreters into the courtroom. 

11. What else should I know about NLVJC?

People must leave their cell phones in their cars. Otherwise, the bailiff will hold onto them during the judicial proceeding.

There is a dress code. No tank or halter tops. No offensive t-shirts or shorts above the knee. No bare feet. And take hats off before entering the courtroom.

No eating, drinking, or chewing gum is allowed in the courtroom.

12. Can I seal my records?

Any criminal case which resolves in NLVJC will be sealable eventually. And most cases that get transferred to District Court are sealable eventually as well.

Criminal charges that get dismissed can get sealed immediately. But convictions must remain on the defendant’s criminal record for a minimum amount of time.

The record seal process is not easy, and it takes a while. People should consider hiring a private attorney to do it for them.

13. Has COVID 19 changed court procedures?

NLVJC operations are largely back to normal. But people may contact the clerk at (702) 455-7801 to ask to conduct hearings telephonically.

Call our law firm for help. We offer consultations.