You were arrested. Charges were filed. Then the case was dropped.
So you assume it’s over.
Legally, maybe. Practically, not always.
In Nevada, an arrest and court case can still show up on background checks even if the charges were dismissed. Employers see it. Landlords see it. Licensing boards see it. And they rarely ask for context.
That’s why record sealing matters. And why doing it sooner than later can make a real difference in your job search and your life.
Here’s how record sealing works when charges were dropped, and what you need to know if this happened in Las Vegas or Clark County.
This surprises a lot of people.
When charges are dropped, the court does not automatically seal your record. The case remains visible unless you take action.
That means anyone running a background check may still see:
Even if the prosecutor dismissed the case or declined to move forward.
From an employer’s point of view, “dismissed” still raises questions. And most employers don’t wait around for explanations.
Record sealing hides your criminal case from public view.
Once a record is sealed:
For everyday purposes, the case stops existing.
In many situations, you can legally say you were not arrested or charged. That matters during job applications and interviews.
Record sealing does not erase history. Law enforcement and courts can still access sealed records in limited situations. But for normal life, it clears the slate.
In Nevada, the answer is usually yes.
If your charges were dropped, dismissed, or never formally filed, you often qualify for record sealing. And in many cases, you can do it right away.
This is one of the few situations where the waiting period is short or nonexistent.
That’s why timing matters.
Waiting months or years to seal a record that was eligible immediately just gives background checks more time to work against you.
Employers move fast.
They scan resumes. They run background checks. They make decisions quickly. If something pops up, even a dropped charge, they often move on.
They don’t call to ask what happened. They don’t ask for documents. They choose the next candidate.
Record sealing stops the problem before it starts.
If you seal your record before applying, the arrest never becomes part of the conversation. You control the narrative again.
That’s especially important in Las Vegas, where many jobs involve licensing, gaming, hospitality, or security. These industries run thorough background checks.
Charges are dropped for many reasons. None of them mean you did something wrong.
Common reasons include:
But background check systems don’t show those details. They just show an arrest and a charge.
Record sealing fixes that gap.
Nevada does not offer expungement in most cases. Record sealing is the main option.
That’s important to understand.
Expungement destroys a record. Record sealing hides it from public access.
For practical purposes, record sealing gives you nearly the same benefit. Employers and landlords don’t see the case. And you can move forward without explaining it.
Record sealing is paperwork-heavy. And the details matter.
The process usually involves:
Mistakes slow things down. Missing documents lead to denials. And delays keep your record visible longer than necessary.
That’s why many people choose to work with a lawyer who handles record sealing regularly.
Once the judge signs the order:
It doesn’t happen overnight. But it starts the clock.
And once the record is sealed, your life gets simpler. Job applications feel less stressful. Interviews feel more honest. You stop worrying about an old case resurfacing.
People delay record sealing for a few common reasons.
They think dropped charges don’t matter.
They assume it’s automatic.
They don’t want to revisit the case.
But waiting only helps the record follow you longer.
If your case qualifies for record sealing, there’s no benefit to delay. Especially when your work, income, and future plans are on the line.
If you were arrested in Las Vegas or Clark County and the charges were dropped, it’s worth getting clear answers now.
Pandullo Law focuses on criminal defense and understands how records affect real people. The firm takes a direct approach and helps clients move forward without unnecessary delays.
If you’re applying for jobs, renewing a license, or just want this behind you, record sealing can help.
Contact us today to learn your options and take the next step. Handling it now can save you years of explaining something that never should have followed you in the first place.
