You are correct 28kfps, NLV and Boulder City are both Courts of non record in Clark County, If you appeal a Criminal conviction, IE: traffic ticket from either of these Courts, You get what is called a Trial De Novo (SP) In legal speak it means "Do Over" as if the first one never happened. The courts themselves are unsure how to act, whenever challenged on this (I have personally challenged both of these political subdivisions)
It appears that the State somehow substantiated Courts of non record for municipality's who's Court system is NRS deficient. NLV has a record of electing Judges (Ex Cops) who had no legal background. While Victor Miller in Boulder City does have a legal background, The City council for some reason has not put their Court system in compliance with the laws of the State of Nevada. It could be that they do not want anyone to know what goes on in their courts. Not having a record certainly accomplishes that.
It cost me $12.00 to appeal my helmet citation conviction to district court, and it was dismissed. It cost me $50.00 to appeal the Boulder City ticket, as they admitted they had not experienced an appeal before and decided to just charge a regular witness fee for the appeal. When I came across this situation I brought it up to some Attorney friends of mine, and they had never considered such a scheme. much less been aware of it. To this day (years later) it is still hush hush, and I encounter attorneys who have no understanding, over the court system in these two towns.
I have successfully defended all of my convictions from these courts of non record, and have collected my costs for doing such including the $12 and $50 filing fees,. It is an important distinction to recognize. I had a NLV judge "Van Landshoot" specifically raise his voice in court and tell me "The law does not matter in my Court" boy was he right!
Having gone down the road I have been down I would do this if I were cited or arrested in one of these city's.
Cite: Go to court with 30 one dollar bills (exact change) and three copies "filled out of the one page form obtained by PM'ing DTOM, If the Judge does not dismiss ask for the payment plan, to pay and immediately go see a window lady to file your appeal. It is quite possible the window lady will tell you that you cannot appeal unless you "post bail" (pay your fine) I would ask for the law, policy, or any other reference to back up her claim. If after a few mins. she still wont accept your appeal form I woulds write "served in person on one of the copy's, let her know, and get the best description I could, before leaving. writing it on the form I am sending to District court. I then would go to the receptionist , tell her I am here to pay a ticket, She would give me a number, and I would take that as evidence and walk out. Note NLV is quick to call in the Marshall's so pushing should be done moderately)
Appeal straight to District Court. now they are doing it electronically on I believe the 2nd floor of the RJC building. There are helpful lady's there. Or get a "wiznet acct" $3.00 per filing and no TSA style checkpoint.
If arrested:
In custody and at arraignment I would not make too much of a deal about it, as it is easier to work when you are not behind bars. However Clark County has a form called "Acknowledgement and waiver of rights" DO NOT SIGN IT! Have the Judge read you your charges: this way you have something to request from the record.
Upon release, I would start asking for the record or transcripts of my arraignment, I do not consent to proceeding unless they can produce the charges against you. upon appeal, you will get a whole new arraignment. and Trial.
There is a lot of info about this that I have not covered but it was good that 28kfps brought it up. I have somewhat moved on to Federal court in the fights i am in, but this is important and needs attention.