Las Vegas Justice Court Transcript Payment Policy Effective July 24, 2025

On July 24, 2025, Las Vegas Justice Court Chief Judge Melisa De La Garza and Court Administrator  Charles A. Mapp, Sr. announced a notice to the bar regarding updates to the court’s Transcript Payment Policy. See official announcement at “LVJC Court Transcript Payment Policy has been updated” (7/30/2025) https://www.lasvegasjusticecourt.us/newslist.php.

See below for relevant text from the official notice:

“Effective immediately, the Las Vegas Justice Court (LVJC) has implemented the following policy governing payment for court transcripts:

Cost Coverage by Las Vegas Justice Court 

Las Vegas Justice Court will bear the cost of transcripts only in the following situations: 

  • Statutory Requirement: When Nevada law expressly requires the preparation or retention of transcripts (e.g., for statutory, rule-based, or archival mandates). 
  • Judicial or Administrative Order: When a transcript is ordered by a judge or court administration specifically for judicial purposes.

Responsibility of the Requesting Party 

Transcripts requested for any purpose other than those listed above must be paid for by the requesting party (“non-exempt transcripts”).  County agencies (including the District Attorney’s Office and Public Defender’s Office) and any court-appointed counsel are designated as responsible “payors” when ordering transcripts.  This designation must be clearly identified on every transcript order.

Prior to processing any non-exempt transcript request, LVJC or its vendor will provide requesters with a written cost estimate and detailed payment instructions (including, if applicable, information for direct payment to the court reporter or recorder).

Consistency with NRS 4.410

This policy is consistent with NRS 4.410, which mandates that “the compensation for transcripts and copies must be paid by the party ordering them” except in cases where a statutory requirement or judicial order applies.  This ensures that the cost burden is allocated fairly and transparently.

Please advise your staff and any associated counsel of these requirements. For questions or further clarification regarding transcript payment procedures, please contact Court Administration at lvjcadministration@clarkcountynv.gov.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that transcript orders are handled promptly and in compliance with Nevada law.”

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