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Criminal Court Process for Washoe County Nevada

Washoe County criminal courts: guide for families

Where are the Washoe County courts, and whom should I call?

If the sheriff or local police have arrested someone in Washoe County, the first challenge is finding the right court. Reno, Sparks, Incline Village and Wadsworth Justice Courts serve different portions of Washoe. The central Second District Court is on Court Street in Reno. The two court levels have different jobs: the Justice Court handles most misdemeanors and early felony hearings, while District Court tries serious state charges.

  • 2nd Judicial District — Washoe County District Court: 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501. Phone: 775-328-3110.
  • Reno Justice Court: 1 South Sierra Street, Reno, NV 89501. Phone: 775-325-6500.
  • Sparks Justice Court: 1675 East Prater Way, Suite 107, Sparks, NV 89434; 775-353-7600.

Where do I go? The location printed on the summons or court order controls. In Nevada, municipal courts may handle city-ordinance and some misdemeanor cases; township Justice Courts are not interchangeable when a county has several locations.

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After a Washoe County arrest, how does release or bail work?

When a person is detained, intake employees secure personal property and begin a custody record. A release order may have no cash requirement, may include supervision or may involve financial security. Anyone arranging bail should first identify the precise order and the correct payee, since posting money never ends the criminal case.

How can a family member help?

Write down the full name, date of birth, booking number if available, arresting agency and upcoming court date. Contact the court handling the hearing for case-number questions; custody questions belong to the detention facility. If the person is ill or in withdrawal, notify detention medical staff promptly. A private lawyer or appointed lawyer can explain the release order.

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What happens in Washoe County for a misdemeanor?

Unlike a felony trial, a routine Nevada misdemeanor ordinarily stays in Justice Court. The court may address counsel, release conditions and trial dates during different appearances. A plea deal is a choice with legal consequences, not merely a way to leave the courtroom sooner.

What does the prosecutor have to prove?

A guilty verdict requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The person can challenge evidence and request legal counsel when eligible. Ordinary misdemeanor and gross-misdemeanor charges do not have the same maximum punishments; the sentencing box below explains the distinction.

In Washoe County, the first contact is usually Reno Justice Court, telephone 775-325-6500. Another township may be responsible if the arrest or citation occurred elsewhere in Washoe County.

What a conviction can mean

Not all Washoe County misdemeanor convictions are sentenced alike. A first DUI, for example, has its own fine range and required conditions.

  • Ordinary misdemeanor — NRS 193.150: As much as 6 months in a county or city jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both. Community service may replace all or part of the ordinary punishment if ordered under the statute.
  • Gross misdemeanor — NRS 193.140: No more than 364 days in the county jail, a fine up to $2,000, or both, unless the specific offense provides a different sentence.
  • Petit larceny — NRS 205.240: Stealing covered property worth less than $1,200 is generally a misdemeanor; the ordinary limit is up to 6 months and/or $1,000. Theft involving other circumstances can be charged differently.
  • First DUI within 7 years — NRS 484C.400: Generally a $400–$1,000 fine and either 2 days–6 months of jail or qualifying residential confinement, or 48–96 hours of community service, plus required education. Treatment-related exceptions and other conditions may apply.
  • Second DUI within 7 years — NRS 484C.400: Generally 20 days–6 months in jail or residential confinement, plus $750–$1,000 or permitted equivalent community service, along with treatment requirements. These are the updated statutory figures.
  • First domestic-violence battery within 7 years — NRS 200.485: Generally 2 days–6 months in jail, 48–120 hours of community service and a $200–$1,000 fine. Other requirements or higher penalties can apply based on the facts and prior convictions.

These figures are statutory punishments, not predictions of a sentence. Court assessments, restitution, treatment and driving restrictions can create additional obligations. A charge under a city ordinance may have its own penalty provision. The offense date and any prior convictions matter.

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How does a felony reach 2nd Judicial District?

The Justice Court may decide to hold a felony defendant to answer in District Court. This step is often called a bind-over. Once the District Court receives the accusation, that court controls trial scheduling, motions and any sentence after a guilty plea or conviction.

Preliminary hearing versus trial

At a preliminary hearing the judge asks whether enough evidence exists to continue the prosecution. That is not a decision that the accused committed the crime. A felony trial or guilty plea in 2nd Judicial District can lead to sentencing under the particular Nevada law charged.

District Court contact: 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501, 775-328-3110. The assigned courtroom and hearing time appear on the case notice.

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What if the allegation involves a serious violent crime?

Murder and other violent accusations can change a person’s life before trial even begins. Defense counsel may request expert examination or disclosure of recordings and police reports. A conviction can carry a mandatory minimum or a lengthy maximum, depending on the offense.

Possible penalties

Nevada’s first-degree murder statute, NRS 200.030, provides different sentencing possibilities based on the findings and legal requirements, including life imprisonment; death can be authorized in qualifying cases. A deadly-weapon enhancement under NRS 193.165 may add punishment to certain crimes, subject to statutory limits and exceptions. Robbery and sexual assault have their own specific sentencing statutes, so no one range covers all violent felonies.

Evidence and preparation often take longer in serious cases. The defense should understand whether the prosecution has alleged an enhancement, repeat-offender treatment or a mandatory minimum.

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What happens if the arrested person is under 18?

If the accused is younger than 18, juvenile court procedures will ordinarily control. The judge can consider supervision, counseling, restitution, schooling and confinement according to the law and findings. Certain serious offenses may be treated differently from routine juvenile conduct.

Where will the juvenile appear?

Juvenile matters are handled within 2nd Judicial District or its juvenile services arrangement. Hearings and juvenile placements do not necessarily occur in the same room as adult felony trials. Court orders govern release, attendance, counseling and any detention.

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How much jail time, prison time or fines are possible?

For misdemeanors, state law provides a general maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Gross misdemeanors may reach 364 days and $2,000. A plea, past convictions, enhancements and any mandatory penalties change the outcome; none of these ranges predicts what one defendant will receive.

State prison felony ranges under NRS 193.130

  • Category C: 1–5 years in state prison; fine up to $10,000 unless another statute provides otherwise.
  • Category D: 1–4 years; fine up to $5,000 unless law sets another amount.
  • Category E: 1–4 years is the statutory range, but probation with a suspended sentence is generally required unless an exception applies; a fine up to $5,000 may apply.
  • Category B: the crime-specific law determines the range, within the broad 1–20-year category limits.
  • Category A: penalties can include life imprisonment or death where the particular law allows; there is no single fixed range.

How do these numbers affect a real case?

Nevada commonly uses a minimum and maximum prison term; the minimum generally cannot exceed 40% of the imposed maximum, except where the law says otherwise. For a category B offense the particular criminal statute sets its own minimum and maximum. Some crimes have mandatory terms, special fines or rules about whether probation is available. Community supervision, restitution, required treatment and suspended sentences can be part of eligible cases. A judge does not give everyone charged under one category the same sentence.

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Could this become a federal criminal case?

Not every drug charge or violent accusation becomes federal. Prosecutors need a federal criminal statute that covers the facts. Once a case is filed in U.S. District Court, bail review, discovery, plea discussions and sentencing are governed by federal law, not Nevada’s county-court process.

U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada

Bruce R. Thompson United States Courthouse, 400 South Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501-2193. Clerk telephone: 775-686-5800. Nevada has one federal judicial district with federal courthouses in both Las Vegas and Reno. Federal judges may assign hearings at the appropriate location; the filed notice determines where a specific person must appear.

What happens after federal arrest?

The accused is normally brought before a federal magistrate judge for an initial appearance, counsel and a release or detention decision. Federal felony charges can proceed by grand-jury indictment, followed by arraignment, discovery, plea or trial, and sentencing under federal law. Federal prisoners may be housed outside the county or even outside Nevada.

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This guide explains general Nevada court rules and is not personal legal advice. The court papers for an individual case control its date and location.

Criminal Court Process for Washoe County Nevada

Washoe County Nevada Criminal Court System – Definitions

It might be helpful to define some words that will be used on this site, when explaining the Nevada Court System and how it works. The definitions on this site are for general information and not legal advice. It is always preferred to follow information given by your attorney or local authorities.

If you scroll down below this content, and the listing of the courts in Washoe County, you will find a simple flowchart diagram and a video that will help you visualize the stages of the Criminal Court Process.

Arrest is when Nevada, Washoe County or local police take a person into custody and start the legal process. The arrested person may or may not be immediately jailed. 

In less serious crimes, the person may only be given a citation ordering that they appear in municipal or Washoe County court on a certain date. In cases involving more serious crimes, the person is usually placed in the county jail until an arraignment, or a judge decides the next step.

Booking is when the Washoe County sheriff or local police gather information such as the detainee’s name, address and why the person is being arrested. Booking also includes fingerprinting, criminal history, investigation, and verification of identity. Bail for lower-level crimes may be set right after booking so the arrested can “bail or bond out” before being detained.

The prosecution, sometimes called “the government” or “the people” or “the state” is the side that presses the charges and seeks punishment for the offense. These are attorneys that work for the state of Nevada, Washoe County or a city or town.  The prosecuting attorney for Washoe County or the district is called the Deputy District Attorney. A U.S. Attorney prosecutes federal cases.  

Jurisdiction is an important term in the court system that means whether a court has the obligation or duty or right to handle a case.  For example, if you run a red light in your town or city, a municipal court would likely have jurisdiction over your case, but the next town or city over would not have jurisdiction over your case.  If you attempted to flee from police when they attempted to stop you after you ran the red light, it becomes a more serious crime, and the municipal court might not have jurisdiction so you might be assigned to a higher-level court that has jurisdiction over the more serious crime.  Jurisdiction varies from state to state and sometimes county to county.

Arraignment is when a judge determines whether the charges are supported by the prosecution’s initial evidence and tells the arrested what they are charged with, and the person says whether they are guilty or not guilty. At this time, the person is called the defendant, and the opposing side is called the prosecution. If there is reason to believe that the arrested is guilty, the judge will set bail conditions or send the defendant to jail or release them ROR (release on recognizances). An arraignment is not a trial, and the defendant is entitled to a trial within a reasonable amount of time after the arraignment.

Bail is money paid that is held by the Washoe County or municipal court to make sure that the arrested does not flee the area before their trial.

Bail amounts and other conditions are determined at the arraignment. Once the case is over, the bail money is returned to the defendant. If a person does not pay bail, they remain in the Washoe County Jail until their trial.  Bail can be denied if the court feels that the arrested would be a danger to others if released. Sometimes the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee so they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.

A bond proceeding is the determination of how much bail is to be paid and usually happens at the same time as an arraignment. During bond proceedings, the defendant can have an attorney present but does not have the right to an attorney. A judge or court officer in the {county extended} or municipal court sets bail. Judges in Nevada rely on a statewide bail schedule, which sets out a recommended range of bail amounts for different offenses. Judges can still exercise discretion in setting bail above or below the recommended range.

It is always important to have family involvement after being arrested.  Not only can they make calls and communicate on your behalf (not all bond companies will accept collect calls), but family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court, not only for the defendant’s own good, but because they may have signed bond paperwork and responsible to pay if the defendant does not show in court. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.  

(There have been phone scams where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information.  A bondsman will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)

A judicial public bond or personal recognizance bond is a bond where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the money if the defendant does not show up to court. If the defendant does not show, the full amount will be due and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible for paying the court.  Sometimes the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee so they are released on their own promise, or recognizance.  

Cash percentage in lieu of bonds.  If the bond order permits, the defendant pays a percentage of the amount, (sometimes up to 100%) to the court, which then holds the money until the case is over. The amount is returned if the defendant is acquitted or the case is dismissed, or it can be used toward paying any court fines incurred by the defendant.

Surety Bond is when defendant pays a percentage of the bond amount (usually 10–15%) to a professional bondsman or bail bond company licensed to do business in Nevada, {county extended}. The bondsman then signs the bond on behalf of the defendant. The defendant does not receive any of the money back. If the bondsman feels the defendant is a flight risk, they can refuse to give a bond or charge a higher fee. For example, a bondsman may determine a defendant is a flight risk if they are from a state other than Nevada.

A Property Bond is a bond in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate (mobile homes are not accepted).  Usually, the property must be in Washoe County, and it must be worth at least the amount of the bond.

An Unsecured Bond is when the defendant is released without paying bail upfront, but they must pay the full amount if they do not appear in court.

A Secured Bond is when the defendant pays a portion of the bail up front. If they show to court, they would get the money back and if they don’t show up to court, would have to pay the entire bail amount.

A criminal defense attorney (also called lawyer or counsel) is hired or retained to represent the arrested as early as possible after the arrest.

If there is a chance that the case might go to trial and the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the 6th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires that the court provide an attorney. This is called indigent representation and a public defender or assigned attorney would represent the defendant in all proceedings.

Indigent representation is only available with misdemeanor and felony cases that could result in jail time, juvenile cases, and certain appeal cases. In Nevada, Public Defenders are available in Clark County and Washoe County which is county funded.  The remaining 14 counties and Carson City may contract with the State Public Defender, establish their own county public defender office or contract attorneys.  Most indigent defense in Nevada are contracted attorneys.

For less serious cases or civil cases, there are pro bono volunteers who volunteer legal services for free or for a small fee. They often will hold clinics to teach people how to represent themselves in court or expunge their record which means to legally erase or eliminate a criminal or arrest record from public view.

This website provides contact information for pro bono services in Nevada.

Many courts will provide forms and help for people who want to represent themselves, called pro se.  Here is a link for legal self-help centers.

A district court can refer to the first level of the legal system, or a minor court. District courts are in the community.  A district court can also refer to a U.S. Federal District Court that hears federal cases. There is one U.S. federal district in Nevada, with offices throughout the state. It is important that you check the address of the court you are to appear in rather than to ask someone because that person might give you directions to the wrong “district” court. Being late for court can land you in custody as well.

Pretrial proceeding is the process where both sides (prosecution and defense) gather information, interview witnesses, request records, videos etc. Pretrial proceedings also include communications with the judge assigned to the case and these appearances are either in person or by on-line conferencing. Some pretrial proceedings may not require a defendant’s appearance, allowing an attorney to appear in their place. The information that is gathered is called discovery and both sides must share the information that they have gathered.  This information does not include conversations between the arrested and their attorney.

Most cases do not go to trial because both sides reach a plea deal, where both sides try to reach a reasonable punishment based on what was learned in the pretrial proceedings.  A plea deal can only happen if the accused person admits they are guilty in exchange for a lighter punishment.  The reason they must admit guilt is because it would not be fair to punish someone who claims they are not guilty.  There are times in plea bargaining when the prosecution agrees to give a lighter sentence in exchange for information leading to the arrest of a more serious criminal related to the crime.  

Trial is where both sides share their information in front of a judge or a judge and jury. After listening to all the evidence, the judge or jury decides the verdict which is whether the person is guilty or not guilty. If a court has only a judge hearing both sides, it is called a bench trial.  If a jury is selected, it is called a jury trial.  If the defendant is found not guilty, they are released.  If they are found to be guilty, the next step is sentencing.

Sentencing is the punishment that the judge decides the person should get. This could be jail or prison time, fines, community service, probation, or a combination.

Appeal is asking for a higher court to hear the case again at an appellate court.  If the accused person thinks something went wrong at trial or has new information that was not available during the trial or that the sentence is too harsh, the defense attorney can ask for an appeal. It is not unusual for an appeal when there is a long jail sentence, but an appeal can be denied if the appellate court feels that the original trial or sentencing was fair.

In Nevada, a misdemeanor is divided into Misdemeanor A, Misdemeanor B and Misdemeanor C.  Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to a $1000 fine or both.

A felony crime is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor and are divided into different classes which are general guidelines and are based on the crime, prior criminal history and other factors.  Examples of felony crimes are murder, rape, theft, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, kidnapping and identity theft.  

In Nevada, felony crimes are divided into Class A-D.  Class A felony is the most serious and can result in life in prison.  Class B results in 1-20 years in prison and possible fine. Class C results in 1-5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Class D results in 1-4 years in prison and up to $5000 in fines.

The Washoe County Clerk of Court is an elected official whose responsibilities for Criminal Court’s administrative issues include receiving criminal warrants, receiving bail, creating the trial schedule, receiving fees, fines and maintaining court records.

A warrant is used to get someone to appear in court or to law enforcement.  There must be good reason to believe that the person is involved in a crime. The warrant gives authority to arrest the person and search for evidence for the investigation of the crime. 

A criminal summons is issued to request that a person appear in court at a particular time and date.  It does not involve an arrest.  A traffic ticket, summary citation or lesser misdemeanor could be considered a summons if you are given a court date.

A summary citation, commonly referred to as a ticket, is a criminal summons by a law enforcement officer either in person or via mail accusing the defendant of a minor offense, stating potential fine, listing the court having jurisdiction and instructions for addressing the issue. Defendants may or may not be required to appear in court or handle the matter by entering a plea via mail.

Fines are usually paid to the District Court or clerk of court and payment methods can be found on the District Court or Washoe County Clerk of Court website. If you do not pay your fine on time, you can lose your driver’s license, must pay additional fees or even have a warrant for your arrest.  It is important to read the instructions on the ticket issued by the police officer or court at the time of your arrest. For a parking ticket or summary citation, the fine amount and how to send payment should be on the ticket. 

Nevada Criminal Court System - How it Works

Municipal courts handle violations of municipal ordinances (city laws), traffic violations, parking violations and criminal misdemeanor offenses that occur within the city or town’s police jurisdiction.

Justice courts handle misdemeanor cases and traffic matters.  They handle the preliminary hearings for felony cases and transfer the felony cases to the district court for prosecution and trial. 

District courts handle many types of criminal cases and can be the original court for misdemeanor and felony cases. Felony cases are prosecuted and tried in district court It can hand misdemeanor cases to the justice or municipal courts.

Specialty courts or problem-solving courts are being adopted in many states to handle cases that involve non-violent and first-time offender cases in a way to where the offender can retain a job or responsibilities while following specific orders of the court as returned court appearances, periodic evaluations or testing for substances. Find out more about the Specialty Court Program in Nevada by clicking the link.

The Nevada Supreme Court is like our United States’ Supreme Court because it has a panel of judges that rule on matters that have to do with someone’s constitutional rights or policies and laws. The Nevada State Supreme Court deals with the state constitution or laws or policies. Sometimes the Supreme Court will hear criminal cases on appeal when there is a question on the state laws or procedures that lead to the appeal.  

The criminal cases are usually referred from the District Courts of Appeal.

FEDERAL COURT

Federal Court deals with crimes involving violations of United States laws.  Federal crimes include federal drug trafficking, federal tax evasion and fraud that crossed state lines and include crimes that occur on federal property as post offices or federal buildings.  

Cases involving crimes that involve the FBI or DEA or Immigration agencies are federal crimes. Terrorism is a federal crime. 

There are some differences in the Federal court system as compared to the Nevada state court system. For example, the attorneys who work for the courts are called United States Attorneys and Federal judges are called District Court Judges (not to be confused by local state district courts).  

Federal Magistrate Judges hear the case early on, but they do not decide on the cases at a trial like the Federal District Court Judges. In a federal case, a grand jury is used for indictments.

There is one U.S. Federal Judicial District in Nevada.

Courts

WADSWORTH JUSTICE COURT
390 W MAIN ST
WADSWORTH NV, 89442
775-575-4585
INCLINE JUSTICE COURT
865 TAHOE BLVD # 301
INCLINE VILLAGE NV, 89451
775-832-5858
DISTRICT COURT MEDIATOR
1 S SIERRA ST
RENO NV, 89501
775-328-3110
RENO MUNICIPAL COURT CLERK
1 S SIERRA ST
RENO NV, 89501
775-334-2290
RENO MUNICIPAL COURT
1 S SIERRA ST
RENO NV, 89501
775-334-2290
WASHOE COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
75 COURT ST
RENO NV, 89501
775-328-3194
WASHOE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
75 COURT ST
RENO NV, 89501
775-328-3110

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Washoe County

Human-verified information Manually curated

Every detail on this page is checked by hand, not scraped. This unofficial directory helps friends and family of incarcerated individuals find critical information — inmate lists, locations, bail resources, visitation hours, rules, and text, phone, email, and mail services — for jails, detention centers, and prisons across the United States.