Can I be a contractor in Nevada with a criminal record?

Licensed contractors face disciplinary action by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) for such offenses as:

crimes involving moral turpitude (including crimes of violence, fraud, or theft)
Failure to complete a construction project,
Diversion of money or property,
Fraudulent or deceitful acts,
Unfair business practices, and/or
Substandard workmanship

The NSCB usually attempts to address complaints against contractors through a “Notice to Correct.” However, if problems persist, the NSCB will commence disciplinary proceedings and hold an administrative hearing. If the NSCB finds that you committed misconduct, the NSCB can either:

give a reprimand,
order you to do corrective building work,
impose a $10,000 fine, and/or
suspend, revoke, or limit the scope of your license

Since the stakes are so high, you are encouraged to hire private counsel to represent you at administrative hearings.

In this article, our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys discuss:

Contractor's hands on a laptop on a work table

Licensed contractors face discipline in Nevada for committing misconduct.

1. How does the Nevada State Contractors Board work?

The Nevada State Contractors Board (abbreviated NSCB) is the state association tasked with

granting contractors licenses,
investigating complaints, and
levying discipline.

The NSCB consists of seven (7) Nevada Governor appointees, including:

6 licensed contractors with at least 5 years of experience, and
1 non-contractor to represent the general public.

The NSCB meets several times a year, and it makes its agendas and minutes available online.¹

2. Can I apply for a Nevada contractor’s license with a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not automatically bar you from obtaining a contractor’s license, but it may weigh against your favor. The NSCB considers many factors, including

general character and
proof of financial responsibility.

The NSCB evaluates your financial responsibility not only on the basis of net worth and credit history. The NSCB also takes into account your

past convictions of felonies and/or
crimes involving moral turpitude (which comprises crimes of violence, fraud, or theft).

If you have a criminal record, you are required to fill out a criminal disclosure form for each conviction and include the following information:

arresting agency (such as the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
plea/conviction date
court case or docket number
court name and location
violation code(s)
sentence (such as fines, community service, or jail)
dates of incarceration, release, and probation/parole (if applicable)
fines and/or fine amounts, and whether you have been paid
details, facts, and circumstances of the offense, including what led to it, the victim, and losses suffered
explanation of why you committed the crime
rehabilitation efforts, with supporting documentation

The NSCB warns that you will be disqualified if you do not disclose all your criminal convictions, even those that have been sealed. Therefore, you are encouraged to consult with an attorney first to discuss whether there could be a legal way around revealing sealed records.²

Learn more about sealing criminal records in Nevada.

3. What triggers disciplinary actions?

As a contractor, you are subject to disciplinary actions by the NSCB for committing various crimes or acts of misconduct, including:

Failure to complete a construction project
Disregarding of plans, specifications, laws, or regulations
Diversion of money or property
Failure to keep records or maintain bond
Acting beyond the scope of your license
Fraudulent or deceitful acts
Unfair business practices
Substandard workmanship
Failure to abide by rules re. residential photovoltaic systems used to produce electricity

You also face disciplinary action for not notifying the NSCB if you get convicted of any of the following offenses:

Male contractor holding a tool belt and wearing a hard hat

As a licensed contractor, you are required to notify the NSCB if you are convicted of a felony.

a crime against a child,
a sexual offense,
murder,
voluntary manslaughter,
any felony, and/or
any other felony or crime involving moral turpitude

You are required to disclose these convictions whether they occurred in Nevada or another state.³

4. What happens if there is a complaint against me made to the Nevada Contractors Board?

When the NSCB receives a complaint against you, it will notify you within 10 days and commence an investigation. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the investigation may involve an NSCB member or contracted employee visiting the job site to evaluate workmanship.

4.1. Notice to Correct

If the investigator concludes that the complaint lacks merit, the NSCB will notify you and the consumer (complainant) in writing. Otherwise, the investigator will send you a Notice to Correct, which enumerates the issues that you must address.

These Notices to Correct are sent within five (5) days of any job site visit. You are typically given up to 20 or 30 days to comply with the NSCB’s orders.

4.2. Notice of Hearing and Complaint

If you do not comply with the Notice to Correct, the NSCB may commence disciplinary proceedings by mailing you a Notice of Hearing and Complaint. This Notice outlines the specific statutes that you allegedly violated.

You then have 20 days from the mailing to respond to the allegations. Neglecting to respond constitutes an admission of the complaint’s allegations, and the NSCB can suspend or revoke your license without a hearing.

Once you respond to the Notice of Hearing and Complaint, the NSCB will schedule an administrative hearing. You will get about 30 days of advanced notice of the hearing’s date. Scroll down to the next section to learn more.⁴

5. What happens at Nevada contractor disciplinary hearings?

NSCB administrative hearings resemble a trial:

Prior to the hearing, you and NSCB can engage in trial-prep-like activities such as deposing witnesses and issuing subpoenas. You may bring an attorney to the hearing to represent you. The hearing itself consists of

presenting evidence,
calling witnesses, and
cross-examining witnesses.

At the end of the hearing, the NSCB will make a decision. If the NSCB finds you committed a violation, it may impose any of the following disciplinary actions:

a reprimand with or without an increase in the amount of your surety bond or cash deposit,
fines of up to $10,000,
orders to do corrective building work,
limitation on the scope of your license
no new renewals of license,
license suspension, and/or
license revocation

The NSCB issues a written decision within 30 days of the hearing. The NSCB also makes disciplinary actions public and searchable through its online database.⁵

6. Can I go to jail for contracting without a license in Nevada?

Perhaps, but probably not for a first-time offense. Penalties increase for each successive offense for contracting without a license from the Nevada Contractor’s Board:

Nevada conviction of contracting without a license	Penalties
1^st-time offense	misdemeanor: up to $1,000 in fines, and up to 6 months in jail (at the judge’s discretion), and possible restitution payments
2^nd-time offense	gross misdemeanor: $2,000 to $4,000 in fines, and up to 364 days in jail (at the judge’s discretion), and possible restitution payments
Subsequent offense	category E felony: $5,000 to $10,000 in fines, and 1 to 4 years in Nevada State Prison (at the judge’s discretion), and possible restitution payments⁶

Nevada conviction of contracting without a license

Penalties

1^st-time offense

misdemeanor:

up to $1,000 in fines, and
up to 6 months in jail (at the judge’s discretion), and
possible restitution payments

2^nd-time offense

gross misdemeanor:

$2,000 to $4,000 in fines, and
up to 364 days in jail (at the judge’s discretion), and
possible restitution payments

Subsequent offense

category E felony:

$5,000 to $10,000 in fines, and
1 to 4 years in Nevada State Prison (at the judge’s discretion), and
possible restitution payments⁶

Furthermore, having a conviction for contracting without a license can potentially bar you from getting a Nevada contractor’s license in the future.

7. Other occupational licenses

7.1. Nursing

The Nevada Nursing Board oversees the state’s nurses and nursing assistants. This Board adopts regulations, administers hearings, and hands down disciplinary measures for misconduct. Learn more about nursing license revocations and suspensions.

7.2. Dentists

Dentists and dental hygienists are entitled to a disciplinary hearing if accused of crimes moral turpitude or unprofessional conduct. See more in our article on license revocations or suspensions for dentists.

7.3. Doctors

Doctors who commit crimes or misconduct risk having a license suspension or revocation by the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners. Learn more about medical license revocations and suspensions.

7.4. Real Estate Brokers

Real estate brokers and sellers risk a license loss for violating the rules imposed by the Nevada Real Estate Commission. Learn more in our article on disciplinary proceedings and license revocations for real estate brokers and salespeople.

7.5. Attorneys

Attorneys convicted of certain offenses or violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct may be disciplined by the Nevada State Bar. Learn more about attorney license disbarment or suspension.

7.6. Accountants

Accountants risk a certificate loss for getting convicted of certain offenses or committing unprofessional conduct. Learn more in our article about disciplinary proceedings and license suspensions for accountants.

7.7. Social Workers

Social workers face license suspension or revocation in Nevada for certain criminal convictions or acts of misconduct. Go to our article about suspending or revoking social worker’s licenses in disciplinary hearings.

7.8. Teachers

Nevada teachers risk license loss for convictions of felonies, crimes involving moral turpitude, or sex offenses with pupils. See our article about suspending or revoking teaching licenses.

Legal References:

NRS 624.040.
NRS 624.266; NRS 624.263.
NRS 624.301 to NRS 624.305; NRS 624.266. SB 303 (2021). AB 29 (2023). AB 23 (2023).
Complaint Forms, Nevada Contractors Board.
NRS 624.300; NRS 624.500.
NRS 624.700.

Las Vegas Defense Group excels in helping individuals fight traffic tickets with professionalism and expertise. Their team of experienced attorneys provides personalized attention and effective strategies to achieve favorable outcomes. Clients appreciate their thorough understanding of traffic laws and their commitment to protecting clients' driving records and rights. The process is streamlined and stress-free, with clear communication and support at every step.

Matt C.

From the first call this office has been nothing but welcoming and supportive. Yuritza has gone above and beyond with all of my needs and getting everything ready for my amazing, funny and Smart Case manager Christopher Joya. The office is beautiful 😍 organized and can I say squeaky clean. Oh they offer you snacks too while waiting. Can we talk about hospitality. I 100% recommend this Amazing group.

Jaquelin A.

What life savers!! Walking into Las Vegas Defense Group saved me. Carole was fantastic and willingly assisted me by putting me at ease and quickly setting me up with a case manager. I must admit, the office was great (and the coffee and snacks helped a lot too). I definitely would recommend their services to anyone with traffic violations, DUI’s, or more serious criminal offenses.

Michel D.