Washoe County Court Records
This guide explains how court records work in Washoe County, Nevada — which courts hear which cases, which offices hold the files, and how to search cases, read what is public, and request certified copies.
How Courts Are Organized in Washoe County
Washoe County, Nevada is served by several layers of courts, and knowing which one handled a case tells you where the records live. The main trial court is the Second Judicial District Court, which serves Washoe County and hears major civil disputes, felony criminal matters, family law cases (including divorce and custody), and probate. Lower courts — justice courts and municipal courts — typically handle misdemeanors, traffic citations, small claims, evictions, and preliminary matters. Municipal courts generally deal with violations of city ordinances within their city limits.
Because the same person or dispute can appear in more than one court, it helps to identify the case type first. A felony case, a family case, and a traffic ticket may each be filed and stored in a different court. If you are unsure which court handled a matter, confirm with the Second Judicial District Court or the Washoe County Clerk before requesting records.
Which Office Holds Which Records
Different offices in Washoe County maintain different categories of records. Confirm the exact holder before you pay for or request anything:
- Second Judicial District Court — case files for district-level civil, criminal, family, and probate matters filed in Washoe County.
- Washoe County Clerk — handles marriage licenses and certain court-related records. Confirm directly with the Clerk what falls under their office.
- Washoe County Recorder — maintains recorded documents such as deeds and deeds of trust. This is a land/records office, not a court case office.
- Washoe County Sheriff's Office — operates the Washoe County Detention Facility in Reno and holds custody and jail-related information rather than court case files.
Vital records such as birth and death certificates are handled through the Nevada Office of Vital Records and county health authorities, and are covered on this site's Vital Records page rather than here. Records for people in state prison are kept by the Nevada Department of Corrections.
Using the Online Case Search
The Second Judicial District Court provides information through its official website. If you want to look up a Washoe County case online, start there and follow the court's own case search tools. Typical ways to search include by party name, case number, or filing date, but the exact fields and features are set by the court — confirm current options on the official site.
When searching, keep a few practical points in mind:
- Names may be indexed in different formats (last name first, middle initials, suffixes), so try variations if you do not get results.
- Common names can return multiple matches; verify identifying details before assuming a record belongs to a particular person.
- Online systems may not display every document. Sealed, confidential, or older paper records may require an in-person or written request to the clerk.
An entry in a case index shows that a filing exists — it is not a determination of guilt. An arrest or a charge is not a conviction, and case records may include dismissals, acquittals, or pending matters. Read the full docket and disposition before drawing any conclusion.
What Is Public and What Is Sealed
Most court records in Nevada are presumed open to the public, but there are important exceptions. Categories that are commonly restricted or confidential include juvenile matters, certain family law details, adoption records, some mental health and guardianship filings, and any record a court has ordered sealed. Personal identifiers such as full Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are also typically protected.
If a record has been sealed or expunged, it generally will not appear in public search results, and the court staff cannot release it without proper authorization. If you believe a record should be sealed, or you are trying to access one that is restricted, ask the Second Judicial District Court about the procedures and any forms required. Because rules and eligibility change, confirm current requirements directly with the court rather than relying on general summaries.
Ordering Certified Copies and Fees
You may need a certified copy of a court record for legal, immigration, or personal purposes. Certified copies are official, stamped versions issued by the court or clerk that maintains the file. To request one:
- Identify the correct court or office that holds the record (see the section above).
- Gather the case number and party names to speed up the search.
- Ask the office how requests are accepted — in person, by mail, or through an online system — and what identification is required.
- Confirm the per-page and certification fees before ordering.
This site does not list specific court fees because they are set by the court and can change. The exact cost of copies, certification, and any search fee must be confirmed with the Second Judicial District Court or the Washoe County Clerk. Do not assume a price from another county applies here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which court handles felony and divorce cases in Washoe County?
The Second Judicial District Court serves Washoe County and handles district-level matters including felonies and family law cases such as divorce. Confirm case-specific details with the court.
Can I look up a Washoe County case online?
Yes, the Second Judicial District Court offers information through its official website. Use its case search tools and verify identifying details, since common names may produce multiple results.
How do I get a certified copy of a court record?
Contact the office that holds the record — usually the Second Judicial District Court or the Washoe County Clerk — and ask about accepted request methods, required identification, and current fees.
Are all court records public?
Many are, but juvenile, sealed, adoption, and certain confidential filings are restricted. Ask the court about access rules for a specific record.
Official & Public Resources
Second Judicial District Court
Official district court for Washoe County providing case information.
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Official home page of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
https://www.washoesheriff.com/
