Nevada County Superior Court Record Clearing
Nevada County Superior Court Information
Courthouse Location:
201 Church Street
Nevada City, CA 95959
Phone: (530) 265-1221
Court Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(Criminal filing window closes at 4:00 PM)
Departments:
- Department 2 (Judge Courtney C. Abril) - Criminal matters
- Department IV (Judge Kelly Babineau) - Family law, criminal
- Department 6 (Judge Robert A. Tice-Raskin) - Criminal matters
- Truckee Court (Judge Yvette Durant) - Eastern Nevada County matters
What Makes Nevada County Different:
- Smaller docket = faster processing than larger counties
- Local judges familiar with repeat petitioners and local attorneys
- District Attorney's office typically reasonable on expungement matters
- One centralized courthouse for entire county
- Average expungement timeline: 3-5 months
Nevada County Communities We Serve
Record Clearing Throughout Nevada County
I provide expungement and record clearing services to clients in every Nevada County community, including:
Major Communities:
- Grass Valley - Largest city in Nevada County, home to most residents with criminal records
- Nevada City - County seat, where the courthouse and all hearings are held
- Truckee - Eastern Nevada County, including Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner
- Penn Valley - Southern Nevada County community
Unincorporated Communities:
- Lake Wildwood
- Lake of the Pines
- Rough and Ready
- Chicago Park
- Washington
- North San Juan
- Smartsville
- French Corral
- Nevada City Rancheria
- And all other Nevada County areas
Wherever you live in Nevada County, all expungement hearings occur at the Nevada County Superior Court in Nevada City. I handle everything so you typically don't need to attend.
Why Local Nevada County Experience Matters
Nevada County is unique compared to larger California counties. Here's why having an attorney with 25+ years of Nevada County-specific experience is crucial:
Local Court Knowledge
- Familiar with local judges: I've appeared before Nevada County judges for over 25 years and understand their preferences on expungement matters
- Relationship with District Attorney: Nevada County DA's office is reasonable when proper procedures are followed—I know how to present cases they won't oppose
- Court clerk procedures: Nevada County has specific filing requirements and procedures different from larger counties
- Local rules: Nevada County Superior Court local rules affect filing deadlines and procedures
Faster Processing
- Nevada County's smaller caseload means faster processing than Sacramento or Placer counties
- Hearings scheduled more quickly (typically 6-8 weeks vs. 3-4 months in larger counties)
- More personal attention from court staff
- Easier to resolve issues quickly when they arise
Community Understanding
- Nevada County judges understand our rural community dynamics
- Recognition that criminal records impact small-town reputation more severely
- Appreciation for rehabilitation and community reintegration
- Understanding of local employment challenges with criminal records
Complete Record Clearing Services in Nevada County
I offer comprehensive record clearing services for all types of criminal matters in Nevada County Superior Court:
Expungement Services (PC 1203.4)
- Misdemeanor expungement
- Felony expungement
- DUI/DWI expungement
- Drug offense expungement
- Domestic violence expungement
- Theft crime expungement
- Multiple conviction expungement
Additional Record Clearing
- Arrest record sealing (PC 851.8/851.91)
- Early probation termination (PC 1203.3)
- Juvenile record sealing (W&I 781)
- Certificate of Rehabilitation
- Sex offender relief (PC 290.5)
- Immigration relief (PC 1473.7)
- Reduce felony to misdemeanor (PC 17(b))
The Nevada County Expungement Process
How Expungement Works in Nevada County Superior Court
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Record Review
I review your Nevada County criminal record, verify your eligibility, and obtain your complete court file from Nevada County Superior Court. I check probation status with Nevada County Probation Department.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Step 2: Prepare Petition for Nevada County Court
I prepare the Petition for Dismissal (Form CR-180) specifically formatted for Nevada County Superior Court's requirements, including supporting declarations and documentation.
Timeline: 1 week
Step 3: File with Nevada County Superior Court
I file the petition at the Nevada County courthouse in Nevada City (201 Church Street). The court clerk assigns it to the appropriate criminal department. I serve copies on the Nevada County District Attorney's Office.
Timeline: 1-2 days
Step 4: Nevada County DA Review
The Nevada County District Attorney's Office reviews the petition. In most eligible cases, they don't oppose. If they have concerns, I negotiate to address them.
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Step 5: Nevada County Court Hearing
A Nevada County Superior Court judge reviews the petition at a hearing. I appear on your behalf—you typically don't need to attend. The hearing is usually brief if uncontested.
Timeline: Hearing scheduled 6-10 weeks after filing (faster than most counties)
Step 6: Order of Dismissal Entered
If granted, the Nevada County court clerk updates records to show dismissal. You receive certified copies of the Order of Dismissal.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks after hearing
Step 7: Statewide Record Updates
Nevada County Superior Court notifies California Department of Justice to update state criminal records. Background check databases gradually update.
Timeline: 2-6 months for complete database updates
Total Nevada County Timeline: Most expungement cases in Nevada County take 3-5 months from start to finish—faster than Sacramento, Placer, or El Dorado counties.
Nevada County Court Costs & Fees
Nevada County Superior Court filing fees for record clearing petitions:
| Petition Type | Nevada County Filing Fee | Fee Waiver Available? |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Expungement | $120-$150 | Yes, if low-income |
| Felony Expungement | $120-$150 | Yes, if low-income |
| Early Probation Termination | $60 additional | Yes, if low-income |
| Arrest Record Sealing | $0 (no fee for PC 851.8) | N/A |
| Reduce Felony to Misdemeanor | $60 | Yes, if low-income |
Fee Waivers: Nevada County allows fee waivers for individuals receiving public benefits (SSI, food stamps, Medi-Cal) or whose income is below 125% of federal poverty guidelines. I can help you apply for fee waivers if you qualify.
Attorney Fees: Call me at 530-265-0186 to discuss attorney fees for your specific case. I offer reduced rates for multiple cases filed together.
How Criminal Records Impact Life in Nevada County
In a small county like Nevada County, criminal records have particularly severe impacts:
Employment Challenges in Nevada County
- Limited job market: Fewer employers in Nevada County means each criminal record denial is more significant
- Small community reputation: Word travels fast in communities like Grass Valley and Nevada City
- Local industries affected: Mining, healthcare, hospitality, construction all run background checks
- Casino employment: Truckee area casinos require clean records for gaming licenses
- Public sector jobs: Nevada County government, schools, hospital are major employers requiring background checks
Housing Difficulties
- Limited rental housing inventory in Nevada County
- Property managers screen aggressively in desirable areas (Lake Wildwood, Lake of the Pines)
- Difficulty qualifying for USDA rural housing loans with criminal records
Professional Licensing
- Contractor licenses (common profession in Nevada County)
- Real estate licenses
- Healthcare licenses (major employer: Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital)
- Teaching credentials (Nevada County schools)
Community Standing
- Small-town reputation matters more in Nevada County communities
- Criminal records impact social standing, volunteer opportunities
- Difficulty participating fully in tight-knit communities
Common Nevada County Criminal Cases We Expunge
Based on 25+ years practicing in Nevada County, these are the most common offenses I help clients expunge:
DUI/DWI (Most Common)
- DUI arrests on Highway 49, Highway 20, Interstate 80 (Truckee area)
- Nevada County Sheriff, CHP, Grass Valley PD, Nevada City PD arrests
- First, second, and third DUI convictions
- Wet reckless (reduced DUI charges)
Drug Offenses
- Possession of controlled substances (HS 11350, 11377)
- Marijuana cultivation (historically common in Nevada County)
- Methamphetamine possession (unfortunately prevalent)
- Prescription fraud
Theft Crimes
- Shoplifting from Grass Valley stores (Walmart, Raley's, etc.)
- Petty theft
- Burglary (residential and commercial)
- Vehicle theft
- Check fraud
Domestic Violence
- Domestic battery (PC 243(e))
- Corporal injury to spouse (PC 273.5)
- Restraining order violations
Other Common Nevada County Offenses
- Driving on suspended license
- Vandalism
- Assault and battery
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct / drunk in public
Nevada County Law Enforcement Agencies
I regularly handle expungement cases for arrests made by all Nevada County law enforcement agencies:
- Nevada County Sheriff's Office - Primary law enforcement for unincorporated areas
- Grass Valley Police Department - City of Grass Valley
- Nevada City Police Department - City of Nevada City
- Truckee Police Department - Town of Truckee
- California Highway Patrol - Auburn and Truckee offices cover Nevada County highways
- Nevada County Probation Department - Supervises probationers county-wide
Regardless of which agency arrested you, all expungement petitions are filed with Nevada County Superior Court in Nevada City.
Nevada County Expungement Questions
Where do I file for expungement in Nevada County?
All expungement petitions in Nevada County are filed at Nevada County Superior Court, 201 Church Street, Nevada City, CA 95959. This is the only courthouse in Nevada County, so regardless of whether you live in Grass Valley, Truckee, Penn Valley, or anywhere else in the county, your petition is filed in Nevada City.
How long does expungement take in Nevada County?
Nevada County expungement cases typically take 3-5 months from filing to final order. This is faster than larger counties like Sacramento or Placer because Nevada County has a smaller caseload. Simple uncontested cases can sometimes be completed in 2-3 months.
Do I need to appear in Nevada County court for expungement?
Usually no. In most Nevada County expungement cases, I appear on your behalf and you don't need to attend the hearing. However, if the District Attorney opposes or the judge requests your presence, you would need to appear at the Nevada City courthouse.
Can I expunge a Nevada County DUI?
Yes. Nevada County DUI convictions can be expunged under PC 1203.4 if you completed probation, paid all fines, and meet other requirements. Nevada County has many DUI arrests (Highway 49, Highway 20, I-80), and I regularly handle DUI expungements. Note that expunged DUIs still count as priors for future DUI cases.
How much does expungement cost in Nevada County?
Nevada County Superior Court charges $120-$150 filing fee for expungement petitions. Fee waivers are available for low-income individuals. Attorney fees vary by case complexity. Call me at 530-265-0186 for a quote specific to your case.
Can I expunge multiple Nevada County convictions?
Yes. Each conviction requires a separate petition and filing fee, but I can file multiple petitions simultaneously. Nevada County judges often schedule all hearings on the same date. Attorney fees are reduced when handling multiple cases together.
Will the Nevada County DA oppose my expungement?
The Nevada County District Attorney's Office is generally reasonable on expungement matters. In most cases where you clearly qualify, they don't oppose. Opposition is more common for serious felonies, recent convictions, or if you have pending charges. My experience with Nevada County DA's office helps minimize opposition.
What happens after Nevada County grants expungement?
After Nevada County Superior Court grants expungement, the court clerk updates your record to show the case as dismissed. The court notifies the California Department of Justice, which updates state criminal records. Background checks will eventually show the case as dismissed rather than convicted. This process takes 2-6 months for complete database updates.
Schedule Your Free Nevada County Expungement Consultation
If you have a criminal record anywhere in Nevada County—whether in Grass Valley, Nevada City, Penn Valley, Truckee, or any other community—don't let it hold you back. Nevada County Superior Court offers multiple pathways to clear your record, and with 25+ years of experience in this courthouse, I know exactly how to navigate the system effectively.
Call 530-265-0186 today for your free consultation. I'll review your Nevada County criminal record, determine your eligibility for relief, and explain the exact process for clearing your record. Most Nevada County residents are surprised to learn they qualify for expungement.
Don't let an old criminal record continue limiting your opportunities in Nevada County. Take action today and reclaim your future.