Nevada law

Criminal Defense Laws in Nevada.

Nevada classifies felonies into five categories (A–E), with Category A carrying life imprisonment or death and Category E presuming probation. Misdemeanors carry up to 6 months jail, and gross misdemeanors up to 364 days (reduced from 365 to avoid federal immigration consequences). Nevada does not allow expungement — only record sealing, which restricts access but does not destroy records.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

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State law

Statute of Limitations

No limit for murder; 3 years for most felonies; 1 year for misdemeanorsNRS 171.080, 171.085, 171.090

Murder, terrorism-related sexual assault, and certain sex offenses with DNA have no limitation. Sexual assault has 20 years. Theft, robbery, burglary, forgery, and arson have 4 years. Other felonies 3 years. Gross misdemeanors 2 years. Misdemeanors 1 year.

Exceptions

Sexual Assault with Police ReportNRS 171.083

If a victim of sexual assault or sex trafficking files a written report with law enforcement during the limitation period, the statute of limitations is removed entirely.

State law

Key Nevada Statutes

Felony Categories (A–E)NRS 193.130

Category A: life/death. Category B: 1–20 years, up to $20,000 fine. Category C: 1–5 years, up to $10,000 fine. Category D: 1–4 years, up to $5,000 fine. Category E: 1–4 years with presumptive probation, up to $5,000 fine.

Misdemeanor & Gross Misdemeanor PenaltiesNRS 193.140, 193.150

Gross misdemeanor: up to 364 days jail, $2,000 fine (reduced from 365 days to avoid federal "aggravated felony" immigration consequences). Misdemeanor: up to 6 months jail, $1,000 fine.

DUI PenaltiesNRS 484C.400

Nevada uses a 7-year lookback period for DUI priors. First/second DUI within 7 years are misdemeanors. Third+ DUI within 7 years is a Category B felony (1–6 years).

Record Sealing (Convictions)NRS 179.245

Nevada allows record sealing but not expungement. Waiting periods: Category A felony or crime of violence: 10 years. Category B/C/D: 5 years. Category E: 2 years. Gross misdemeanor: 2 years. Most misdemeanors: 1 year. Sex offenses and crimes against children are never sealable.

Record Sealing (Non-Convictions)NRS 179.255

Records of dismissals, declinations, and acquittals are presumptively eligible for sealing. Acquittals require mandatory sealing upon petition.

State law

Official Sources

Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 193 Nevada Legislature — NRS Chapter 179

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Nevada.

Criminal Defense Laws in Nevada.

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Statute of Limitations

Key Nevada Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

Other state law topics.