Las Vegas Justice Court: Misdemeanors, Small Claims & Civil Cases Under $15,000

Court Information at a Glance

Jurisdiction: What Las Vegas Justice Court Handles

Justice courts in Nevada are courts of limited jurisdiction — they handle lower-level matters, and larger or more serious cases are sent to District Court. Las Vegas Justice Court's jurisdiction includes:

• Misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors: All Class B and C misdemeanor charges arising within Las Vegas Township, including first-offense DUI (NRS 484C.110), petty theft, simple assault, and disorderly conduct
• Traffic violations: All traffic citations issued in Las Vegas Township — speeding, red lights, no insurance, driving on suspended license
• Civil cases: Disputes involving claims up to $15,000 — contract disputes, unpaid rent (limited), property damage, collections
• Small claims: Simplified process for disputes up to $10,000; parties generally represent themselves; no formal discovery or pre-trial motions
• Preliminary hearings: Initial hearings in felony cases before the case is bound over to District Court

Traffic Violations in Las Vegas Justice Court

Traffic citations are the single most common type of case in Las Vegas Justice Court. When you receive a traffic ticket in Las Vegas Township (including most of the unincorporated Las Vegas Strip area), the citation will direct you to Las Vegas Justice Court.

Your options when you receive a ticket:

1. Pay the fine — This is a conviction and adds demerit points to your Nevada DMV record.
2. Traffic school — Available once per 12 months to remove up to 3 DMV points (NRS 483.4735).
3. Contest the ticket — Enter a not guilty plea before the deadline and choose between a Trial by Declaration (written) or an in-person trial before a justice of the peace.

Small Claims Court in Las Vegas

Small claims court is designed for people to resolve disputes without hiring an attorney. Las Vegas Justice Court handles small claims up to $10,000. Common small claims cases include:

• Security deposit disputes between landlords and tenants
• Unpaid contractor or service work
• Minor vehicle accident damage
• Unpaid personal loans
• Damaged or lost property

Filing fee for small claims is approximately $100. Cases are heard relatively quickly — often within 30–60 days. Both parties present their case directly to the judge; attorneys are permitted but not required. If you win, you receive a judgment — but collecting that judgment may require separate enforcement steps.

Misdemeanor DUI Cases in Las Vegas Justice Court

First and second offense DUI charges (NRS 484C.110) that do not involve serious injury or death are misdemeanor cases handled in Las Vegas Justice Court. A misdemeanor DUI in Nevada carries:

• Mandatory fines of $400–$1,000 (plus assessments)
• 2 days to 6 months in jail (or 48 hours community service for first offense)
• Mandatory DUI school
• 1-year license revocation
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

DUI charges are criminal — a conviction creates a permanent criminal record. Retaining a Las Vegas DUI attorney to negotiate, challenge evidence, or seek diversion is strongly advisable before any plea is entered.