Trespassing in Nevada (NRS 207.200): Casino Bans, Warnings and Penalties
Trespass is one of the most common misdemeanors in Las Vegas, largely because of how often casinos, resorts and retail stores issue trespass warnings. Under NRS 207.200, once a property owner or occupant warns you not to return, going back within the next 24 months is a crime – even if you behave perfectly the second time.
Trespass is also a frequent negotiated outcome in more serious cases, such as burglary or petit larceny, because it carries less stigma than a theft offense. Either way, it is worth understanding what the State actually has to prove.
Trespassing in Nevada at a Glance
| Statute | NRS 207.200 |
| Classification | Misdemeanor |
| Possible sentence | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine |
| Warning period | A warning remains effective for 24 months |
| Record sealing | 1 year after the case closes; immediately after a dismissal |
What the State Must Prove Under NRS 207.200
Under circumstances not amounting to burglary, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you either:
- Went upon the land or into a building of another with the intent to vex or annoy the owner or occupant, or to commit an unlawful act; or
- Willfully went or remained on land or in a building after having been warned during the previous 24 months by the owner or occupant not to trespass.
A warning can be given in several ways: an oral or written demand from the owner or occupant (including a casino’s security staff acting for the property), “no trespassing” signs posted at required intervals, fencing, fluorescent orange paint marks at specified intervals, or the land being cultivated. Being found on posted or fenced property without lawful business is prima facie evidence of trespass.
In the casino setting, security usually documents the warning with a written notice, photograph and identification. Whether that documentation exists, and whether it names the right person and property, is often the heart of the case.
Penalties for Trespassing in Nevada
Trespass is punished as a misdemeanor under NRS 193.150.
| Circumstance | Classification | Possible sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Trespass after warning, or with intent to vex, annoy or commit an unlawful act | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 |
First-offense trespass cases rarely involve jail. Typical outcomes include a fine, community service, a stay-away order, or a dismissal after a period of good behavior. Repeat trespass at the same property, or trespass connected to other conduct, is treated more seriously.
Since January 1, 2026, Clark County must designate tourist corridors (such as the Strip) under Assembly Bill 4. A person charged with or convicted of a misdemeanor within a corridor may be ordered to stay out of that corridor for up to a year for a first offense within 2 years, and must be ordered to stay out for at least a year for a second offense.
Common Defenses to Trespassing Charges
Every case turns on its own facts, but these are the issues we look at first when reviewing a charge like this one.
No valid warning
If the State cannot prove a warning was given to you, by someone with authority, within the past 24 months, the second form of trespass fails. Many casino cases depend on paperwork that may be incomplete or attached to the wrong person.
The warning did not cover that property
A trespass notice from one resort generally does not apply to a different property, even one owned by the same company, unless the warning clearly covered it.
Lawful purpose or permission
Tenants, invited guests, employees and people with legitimate business on the property may have a right to be there. A guest at a hotel who has a valid reservation stands in a different position than someone who was asked to leave.
No intent to vex or annoy
For the first form of trespass, the State must prove a specific intent to annoy or commit an unlawful act – not just presence on the property.
Record Sealing, Immigration and Other Consequences
Record sealing
A trespass conviction can be sealed 1 year after the sentence ends under NRS 179.245, and a dismissed case can be sealed right away under NRS 179.255.
Immigration and employment
Simple trespass is generally not a crime involving moral turpitude and is often used as an immigration-safer alternative to theft or burglary pleas. It is still a conviction that can appear on background checks.
Related Nevada Offenses
- Burglary (NRS 205.060) – unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime; trespass is a common reduction.
- Petit larceny (NRS 205.240) – shoplifting cases are often resolved as trespass.
- Home invasion (NRS 205.067) – forcible entry into an inhabited dwelling.
How Trespassing Cases Move Through Clark County Courts
Misdemeanor cases in Clark County are handled in the court that covers the place of arrest: Las Vegas Justice Court for unincorporated areas such as the Strip, or the municipal court for the city involved (Las Vegas, Henderson or North Las Vegas). There is no preliminary hearing. After arraignment, the case usually goes through one or more pretrial settings where the defense reviews the evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor, and if it does not resolve, it is set for a bench trial in front of the judge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trespassing in Nevada
How long does a casino trespass last in Nevada?
Under NRS 207.200, a warning not to trespass is effective for 24 months. Returning during that period can lead to arrest, even if the person does nothing else wrong.
Is trespassing a felony in Nevada?
No. Trespass under NRS 207.200 is a misdemeanor. Entering with intent to commit a crime inside, however, can be charged as burglary.
Can trespass charges be dismissed?
Yes. Many first-offense cases are dismissed after conditions such as a fine or community service, especially if the warning documentation is weak.
Talk to a Henderson Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Trespassing Case
Joshua U. AlDabbagh has been licensed in Nevada since 2010 and began his career defending people accused of crimes in Clark County. If you or a family member has been arrested or charged under NRS 207.200, the decisions made in the first days of the case matter: what is said to police, whether evidence is preserved, and how bail and release conditions are handled. Call Southern Nevada Law Firm, PLLC at 702-589-4771 or send a message online to schedule a consultation. Our office is at 2831 St. Rose Parkway, Suite 292, in Henderson, and we handle cases throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and the rest of Clark County. Learn more about our criminal defense practice.
Statutes Cited
- NRS 207.200 – Unlawful trespass; warning against trespassing
- NRS 193.150 – Punishment of misdemeanors
- NRS 179.245 – Sealing records after conviction
This article is general information about Nevada law as of October 2026, not legal advice for any specific situation. Statutes and court decisions change, and the outcome of any case depends on its facts. Reading this page or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising.