Someone Just Got Arrested. Here's What Happens Next.
Pick the jail and the charge — see every step from booking to court, hour by hour. Built on Nevada law and the way Clark County courts actually run. No forms, no email required.
Call 24/7: (702) 857-7197This tool provides general information about Nevada law — it is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Full disclaimer
Keep going: what to read next
The step-by-step written version of this tool — booking, court, bail, and what to do at each stage.
Read the guidePreliminary hearings, grand juries, and district court — how a Las Vegas felony case moves.
Read the felony guideLook up the statute, penalty range, typical bail, and what a defense costs for any Nevada charge.
Open the toolOld case? Answer three questions and see if a Nevada record can be sealed — and roughly how long the wait is.
Check eligibilityJail-by-jail guides
Frequently asked questions
How long until they see a judge?
For a warrantless arrest, a judge reviews probable cause generally within about 48 hours. The first court appearance — the arraignment — typically happens within 72 hours for misdemeanors, and within 48 to 72 hours for felonies. Weekends and holidays can stretch the wait.
Is bail automatic?
No. Under Nevada’s Valdez-Jimenez decision, anyone held on bail is entitled to a prompt hearing where the judge must consider their ability to pay and set the least-restrictive conditions that reasonably protect the community. The bail schedule is a starting point — not the final word.
Who decides the final charges?
The Clark County District Attorney — not the arresting officer. The DA reviews the police reports and files the formal charges, which can be higher, lower, the same, or dropped entirely compared to what the person was booked on.
What should they do in the first hours?
Stay silent beyond identifying themselves, say nothing about the case on recorded jail phones, and call a lawyer. Every call from inside the jail is recorded except calls with an attorney.
Why Las Vegas clients choose Freedom First
Past results don’t guarantee a future outcome — every case is different.
Thomas M. Wells, Esq.
Your Fighter in Court
"I stand behind every case we take. Your freedom is my mission."
Whether your case involves an arrest in Las Vegas or any other charge, Attorney Tom Wells fights it personally — from booking through verdict.
Attorney Tom Wells brings nearly 10 years of experience defending clients across Southern Nevada. A graduate of UNLV's Boyd School of Law with a background as a former Clark County Public Defender, Tom knows both sides of the courtroom — and uses that knowledge to win for you.
- J.D., William S. Boyd School of Law, UNLV
- Former Clark County Public Defender
- Member, State Bar of Nevada (Bar No. 14780)
- Focus on Trial Advocacy & Constitutional Defense
- 90% Win Rate · 500+ Cases Won
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