Navigating the court system in Nevada can feel overwhelming. You might hear terms like Justice Court, Municipal Court, and District Court and wonder what they actually mean—and more importantly, which one applies to your or your loved one’s case.

This breakdown will help you understand exactly where a case goes and why.

Municipal Court in Nevada

Municipal Courts operate at the city level. That means they handle cases that occur within the boundaries of a city—such as the City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas, or City of Henderson.

What Municipal Courts Handle:

Misdemeanors that violate city ordinances (such as petty theft, trespassing, simple battery)

Traffic violations issued by city police departments

Code enforcement cases

Example: If someone is arrested for public intoxication on Fremont Street, their case will likely go to Las Vegas Municipal Court.

Important Notes:

These courts do not handle felonies

If felony charges are discovered during a case, it gets referred to Justice Court

Justice Court in Nevada

Justice Courts serve each county’s township and cover both misdemeanors and felonies—at least at the early stages. In Clark County, the most common one is the Las Vegas Justice Court. It covers a wide area, including the Strip, surrounding neighborhoods, and nearby unincorporated zones.

What Justice Courts Handle:

Initial appearances and arraignments for felony and gross misdemeanor charges

Preliminary hearings to determine if felony cases should move to District Court

Misdemeanor trials

Evictions, small claims, and protective orders

Traffic tickets issued by county sheriffs or Nevada Highway Patrol

Example: If Las Vegas Metro Police arrest someone for drug possession (a felony), their first appearance will be in Justice Court.

District Court in Nevada

District Court is the highest-level trial court in Nevada. This is where the most serious legal matters are handled.

What District Courts Handle:

Felony cases that are bound over from Justice Court after a preliminary hearing

Gross misdemeanors and high-level criminal offenses

Civil cases involving more than $10,000

Family law matters (including divorce and child custody)

Appeals from Municipal or Justice Courts

Example: After a Justice Court judge determines that a felony case—like burglary or assault with a deadly weapon—has enough evidence, it gets “bound over” to District Court, where the full trial occurs.

So, Which Court Will Your Case Go To?

Use this quick guide to help determine where your case is headed:

City misdemeanor (such as jaywalking or disorderly conduct)? → Municipal Court

Felony or gross misdemeanor (like drug possession or grand larceny)? → Starts in Justice Court, may move to District Court

Civil lawsuit over $10K or a serious family matter? → District Court

Eviction or small claims issue? → Justice Court

Final Thoughts

Understanding Nevada’s court system can make a big difference when you’re dealing with legal challenges. If someone you love has been arrested, knowing which court is involved helps you stay proactive and informed.

At eBail, we’re available 24/7 to guide you through the process, post bail, and answer your questions—no matter which court the case is in.

Have questions? Call us anytime at (702) 462-9200 — we’re here to help.