Elko County Courts

The West Wendover Courts are committed to providing language access services. Interpreter services are free.

If you need an interpreter for a courtroom proceeding, please request one prior to your court date. While the court will make every effort to locate an interpreter for the date and time of your hearing, it cannot guarantee that one will be immediately available. 

To request an interpreter, please call the Court Clerk's Office at (775) 664-2305 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Q:  I am unable to appear for my arraignment on the date that I was given.  Can I reschedule it?

A:  Ultimately, it is up to the Judge to grant requests for continuances on a hearing.  Such requests, must be done in writing and should be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the Judge’s attention.

Q:  I wasn’t able to complete my sentencing requirements by the deadline.  Am I in trouble?

A:  Your sentence is a court order.  As a part of your sentencing, you were ordered to complete specific things.  Such things may have included paying fines by specific dates, completing domestic violence counseling, completing a DUI course, or completing community service.  Each item had a deadline.  If you fail to complete a requirement by the deadline, you could be held in contempt of court. 

The Judge does allow his clerks to give one time extensions on specific sentencing requirements.  If a clerk is unable to give you an extension on a certain sentencing requirement, you may request a Status Hearing or submit a written request to discuss the matter with the Judge.   Ignoring the deadlines will ultimately result in the issuance of a Bench Warrant for your arrest.  The very best thing you can do is stay in contact with the court.

Q:  What is an Arraignment?

A:  The defendant’s first appearance in court will normally be the arraignment.  A first appearance shall be conducted within 72 hours of arrest if the defendant is still in jail.  If the defendant has been released on his own recognizance or has posted a bond or cash bail, the arraignment will occur within a short time period after the defendant’s release from jail.

At the arraignment, the defendant is informed of the charges against him and he/she is asked to enter a plea.  The plea may be one of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.  If the defendant enters a plea of guilty or no contest (nolo contendere), the judge may, in most circumstances, impose sentence immediately.  If the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, the matter is set for pretrial within 30 days or for trial within 60 days of the arraignment date.

Prior to entering a plea, the defendant is also informed of his/her constitutional rights. 

Q:  What is the difference between pleas of not guilty, guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest)?

A:  A not guilty plea means that the defendant asserts that he/she did not commit the offense and he/she demands a trial.  A guilty plea means that the defendant admits committing the offense.  A plea of nolo contendere (no contest) means that while the defendant does not admit the allegations in the citation or complaint, he/she does not deny them either.  The defendant does not contest the charge and he/she is subject to the same sanctions or penalty as he/she had pled guilty.  A defendant does not make an admission of guilt when he/she pleads nolo contendere.

Q:  Can I speak to the Judge in an attempt to resolve the matter?

A:  An ex-parte (direct) communication between the defendant and the Judge is improper and prohibited by law.  In fact, lawyers themselves are prohibited from ex-parte communications with a Judge without proper notice to the adverse party (i.e. both parties must be present when meeting with the Judge to avoid both the appearance and reality of improper influence).

However, if you would like to address an issue regarding your case (i.e. motion to continue, request for legal defender), you may set a hearing or file a motion with the court clerk.

Q:  Do I need an attorney to represent me?

A:  This is ultimately a question that you alone must answer.  You have a constitutional right to have an attorney represent you in a criminal matter.  However, you are not entitled to an attorney at government expense unless you are subject to a jail term.  In most circumstances, it would not be necessary to retain a attorney for cases such as simple traffic matters.  However, due to the potential serious consequences associated with offenses such as DUI and Domestic Battery it may be advisable to secure an attorney to assist you.  As stated previously, ultimately this is a personal decision that you alone should make.

ADMONITION

You have the right to represent yourself in any proceeding.  However, self-representation is almost always unwise.  The City/State will be represented by an experienced prosecutor who is a trained attorney.  You will be expected to know and follow the rules of procedure and evidence, as well as the proper method of asking questions.  Also, remember that the Judge is not allowed to help you.  Your decision to represent yourself may well affect your case adversely.  The Court strongly recommends that you retain an attorney to represent you.

Q:  Do I qualify for the services of a court appointed lawyer?

A:  The court provides an application for the services of a court appointed lawyer to all defendants who state that they cannot afford an attorney.  Once the application is completed, the Judge will review it and determine, based upon your financial situation, whether to appoint a legal defender to represent you.

Q:  Can I attend traffic school as a means of having my citation amended or to reduce the points on my driver’s license?

A:  All traffic violations are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  We do not offer a Traffic School. However, please check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles, as they may offer a course that may reduce the total number of points on your record.

Q:  Can I make payments on my fine or must I pay the full amount?

A:  Yes.  Generally, payment plans must be requested at the time of your sentencing.  If you are requesting a payment plan on a traffic citation, a clerk can help you establish the payment plan.  Generally, you must make payments of $100.00 per month.  However, in exceptional circumstances, you may explain your financial situation to the Judge.  Community Service may be performed in lieu of the fine, if approved by the Court.

Q:  What will happen if I fail to appear for court?

A:  If you fail to appear for any scheduled court appearance the Judge may order a bench warrant for your arrest.  The Judge that signs the bench warrant will determine whether a cash bail or bond amount is to be set.

If you fail to appear and the Judge issues a bench warrant, you must do one of the following:

• Post bail or bond and schedule a new court appearance date.
• Turn yourself in at the Elko County Jail.
• File a motion with the Court seeking to quash the warrant or to reduce the amount of bail or bond.

 Q:  I received a citation for No Insurance, but had insurance. What do I do?

A:  If you have received a traffic citation for No Insurance, the court requests a copy of the insurance card valid at the time the citation was issued or proof of insurance on letterhead from your insurance carrier. The following information must be on letterhead and faxed to (775) 664-2979 or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

• Your Full name
• Court Case Number
• Attention: Traffic
• Date of Coverage (must be covered on the date of violation)
• Make of Vehicle
• Policy Number
• Agent Phone Number
• Agent's Signature

Q:  I received a "fix it" violation. What do I do? 

A:  If you receive a citation for equipment violation and have proof of compliance, take your vehicle to a local law enforcement officer to check for compliance and sign off on the bottom of your citation. Then, either mail the signed off citation or bring it to court so your citation may be dismissed. You are responsible for any additional penalties assessed if you do not comply by the due date. 

Acquittal

The finding of not guilty.

Appeal

The act of seeking a higher court’s review of a lower court’s decision.

Arraignment

A hearing before a judge during which the judge reads the charges to the defendant, informs the defendant of his constitutional rights, and affords the defendant the opportunity to enter a plea.

Arrest

The taking of a person into custody by an officer of the law.

Authorization to Represent

Agreement between defendant and attorney for legal representation in court matters.

Bail

Money a defendant puts up (usually a bond) to allow his or her release from custody and to guarantee his or her appearance at a future hearing.

Bailiff

The individual in the courtroom who helps the judge manage the evidence and maintain order in the courtroom.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

A standard of proof required to convict a person of a crime.  The judge has a high degree of certainty about the defendant’s guilty, although he need not be 100 percent convinced.

Burden of proof

A party’s duty to prove a disputed fact.

Cash Only Bail

Designation on a warrant indicating that only cash bail as opposed to bond will be accepted as a condition of release from custody.

Charge

The process of accusing the defendant of a crime.

Circumstantial Evidence

Facts or testimony not based on actual personal knowledge or observation, by which other non-substantiated facts can be reasonably inferred.

City Attorney

Prosecutor appearing on behalf of the City.  Also legal advisor to the City on all matters.

Closing Argument

A speech to the judge by the prosecutor and then the defense to try to convince the judge how the evidence proves his or her side of the case.

Complaint

The written document charging an alleged criminal defendant.

Contempt of Court

Deliberate disobedience of a court order

Continuance

Extension of time for appearance.

COP or Change of Plea

Usually from not guilty to guilty or nolo contendere (no contest).

Community Service

Work performed by defendant as alternative to fines or jail time.

Credit for Time Served

Instruction from judge to allow credit for time already spent in jail

Defendant

The person who is accused in a criminal case.

Disposition

A final settlement or determination.

District Attorney

Prosecutor appearing on behalf of the State. 

Due Process

The notion, grounded in the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments to the U.S. Constitution, of rights in most court and administrative proceedings to defend oneself in an orderly proceeding adapted to the nature of the case, and that every person have the protection of a day in court and the benefit of general law.

DUI

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substance.

Felony

The most serious category of criminal offenses.  With penalties of imprisonment ranging from a year and a day to life, or in some states, punishable by death.

Finding

The determination of fact by a judge.

Fine

The monetary penalty assessed against a defendant.

Failure to Appear

Failure to appear at scheduled court date.

Failure to Comply

Failure to comply with court-imposed sentence.

Failure to Pay

Failure to pay fines.

Gross Misdemeanor

A crime punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than $2000.00, or by both fine and imprisonment.

Hearing

A scheduled appearance before a judge for determination of facts.

Imprisonment

The placement of an individual in a jail or prison

Judgment

The official decision of the court.

Leading question

A question that instructs the witness how to answer, puts words into the witness’s mouth or suggests the desired answer.

Mandatory Appearance

Defendant must appear in court in person to answer to the charge (s).

Miranda Warning

After arrest and before questioning, arrested persons must be warned that: 1) they have the right to remain silent; 2) any statement they make may be used as evidence against them: 3) they have a right to the presence of an attorney; and 4) if they cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for them prior to any questioning if they so desire.

Misdemeanor

A crime punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or by a fine of not more than $1000.00, or by both fine and imprisonment.

Motion

A written or oral application requesting the Court to make a specified ruling or order.

Nolo Contendere

A plea of no contest.

Order

Any command or instruction issued by the judge.

Plaintiff

Person or entity making a charge.

Probable Cause

A strong belief, based on facts, that a crime has been committed, that a particular person has committed the crime and that evidence related to the crime exists.

Proof Date

Date by which an individual must provide proof to the Court that Court instructions have been fulfilled (i.e., proof of completion of community service).

Prosecutor

A public officer who conducts criminal proceedings on behalf of the state or city.

Rehabilitate

To permanently change behavior.

Relevant

Directly related to the issue as it tends either to prove or disprove the point.

Restitution

The sentence often used instead of a fine or imprisonment, designed to restore the victim to his or her condition before the crime.

Review

Periodic appearance ordered by the judge to determine if conditions of sentence are being followed

Sentence

The time to be served in a prison or jail; also includes fine, probation, restitution and community service.

Statutory Law

 A law enacted by a legislature.

Stipulation

A written or oral agreement between attorneys or parties concerning some phase of a lawsuit.

Subpoena

An order compelling a witness to appear and give testimony before a court.

Summons

A written notice 1) requiring the named person to appear in court on a specified day; or 2) informing the named person that a lawsuit has been started against him or her and he or she must answer.

Suspended Sentence

If certain conditions are met, a jail sentence need not be served.  The sentence is then suspended.

Trial

A formal hearing before a judge to determine guilt or innocence.  Witnesses may be called and evidence is presented.

Time Served

A sentence imposed by a judge indicating that the time already served is sufficient to satisfy sentence.

Warrant

Sanction or authorization, as an arrest warrant authorizes a police officer to take an individual into custody.

State of Nevada

Nevada Supreme Court

Nevada Supreme Court Library

Fourth Judicial Court - Dept I

Fourth Judicial Court - Dept II

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles

Nevada Revised Statutes

West Wendover Municipal Code

Elko County Code

Nevada Legal Services

Online DUI School/Victim Impact Panel

Nevada State Bar

If you would like to inquire about a current or closed case or citation that has been adjudicated through this court, please fill out a 

If you need a copy of any case related item (i.e., Complaint, Citation, Judgment of Conviction, Court Proceedings), you will be required to pay $0.50 cents per page before obtaining a copy.  Further, if you need a certified copy of any document, you will be required to pay $3.00 per document that is to be certified.

If you are interested in having a ceremony performed by Judge Leamon, please call in advance to schedule an appointment.  Generally, weddings are performed at the courthouse during normal business hours.  You will be required to bring the following items:

1. Marriage License – You must obtain a marriage license at the City of West Wendover Clerk's Office. Their office is located next to the Court Clerk's Office at 1111 N. Gene L. Jones Way, West Wendover NV 89883. For marriage license requirements, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (775) 664-3081.
2. Marriage Certificate – When you receive a marriage license from the City Clerk’s Office, you will be given an Original Marriage Certificate and a Copy of the Marriage Certificate.  Both Certificates will be filled out by the Court Clerk, one will be filed with the County Clerk’s office and one will be given back to you for your records.
3. $75 Filing Fee – The filing fee can be paid in cash, check or credit card.

You must appear at the courthouse for arraignment on the date and time listed on your citation if any violation is a mandatory appearance (this will be noted next to the violation).  If appearance is not mandatory, you may pay the amount indicated on your citation before your court date and you will have no further obligation to the Court.  You may pay in person by cash, money order, cashier’s check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or personal check.  If you wish to pay by mail, you may do so by money order, cashier’s check, or personal check. Or, you may pay online with a Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express card. You must include the citation number with your payment.  Please do not mail cash.  All fines are due and payable on day of sentencing.

Mail Payments to:

West Wendover Courts

P.O. Box 2300

West Wendover, NV 89883

If you wish to contest a citation, you must file a written not guilty plea and post bail.  The bail amount is usually indicated on the citation in the lower right hand corner.  Once your bail and written request have been received, you will be set for a pre-trial hearing or a citation trial.  This request must be done on or before the appearance date that is listed on the citation.

All traffic violations are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  We do not offer a Traffic School. However, please check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles, as they may offer a course that may reduce the total number of points on your record.

The Eastline Justice Court accepts all civil court proceedings within the Eastline Township.  Civil Filings include: Small Claims, Formal Civil Filings through a Summons and Complaint, Landlord and Tenant filings, and Temporary Protective Order filings.

• A Small Claims can be filed if the claim amount is $10,000 or less.
• Formal Civil filings can be filed if the claim amount is $15,000 or less. 
• Civil matters totaling more than $15,000 are filed with the Fourth Judicial District Court.

If you have basic questions in regards to a specific civil filing, please feel free to contact the Court Clerk's Office at (775) 664-2305.

Please note that all court clerks are not attorneys and are not allowed, by State Law, to give legal advice or step by step information on how to proceed with a specific legal matter.  

Driving Under the Influence of drugs and/or alcohol is a serious offense in the State of Nevada.  Our courts only have jurisdiction over First and Second Offense DUIs.  For more information about DUI Offenses in the State of Nevada, please click below on the pamphlet that is prepared by the Nevada State Bar:

Nevada State Bar DUI Pamphlet

Domestic Violence occurs when a person commits a battery, assault, coercion, burglary, or home invasion upon another to whom he/she is:

• Related by blood or marriage
• Having a dating relationship or,
• Has a child in common or,
• Upon his/her minor child

Under Nevada law, police officers are required to arrest a person when they have probable cause to believe that a person has, within the last 24 hours, committed an act of domestic battery. Further, a person arrested for an act of domestic violence cannot be admitted to bail prior to serving a 12-hour cooling-off period.

Penalties and Sentencing

In the event the defendant is found guilty of domestic battery, the judge will then decide the appropriate sentence. Before doing so, however, the victim will be given an opportunity to address the Court about the defendant and the impact of this crime upon the victim.

Penalties For First Offense

• A minimum of 2 days, but not more than 6 months, in the Elko County Jail
• A minimum of 48 hours, but not more than 120 hours, of community service
• A minimum fine of $200 plus assessments, but not more than $1,000 plus assessments
• Participation in weekly domestic violence counseling sessions of not less than 1 ½ hours per week for not less than 6 months, but not more than 12 months, at the defendant's expense
• $35 domestic violence assessment fee

Penalties For Second Offense Within Seven Years

• A minimum of 20 days, but not more than 6 months, in the Elko County Jail
• A minimum of 100 hours, but not more than 200 hours, of community service
• A minimum fine of $500 plus assessments, but not more than $1,000 plus assessments
• Participation in weekly domestic violence counseling sessions of not less than 1 ½ hours a week for not less than 12 months at the defendant's expense
• $35 domestic violence assessment fee

Penalties For Third Offense Within Seven Years

• A category B felony punishable by a sentence of probation or imprisonment in the Nevada State Prison for not less than 1 year, nor more than 5 years.
• A fine of not less than $1,000 but more than $5,000.