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1. Can I receive information and/or a copy of the police reports in a particular case?

State statutes prohibit the District Attorney’s Office from giving legal advice to private individuals. The office staff can provide very general information about the status of a case, but staff cannot provide details relating to a case.
Generally, police reports are not released to anyone other than the defendant or attorney for the defendant. In situations where State law authorizes reports to be released to other parties, a written request must be submitted to this office. The office will not release a copy of the report to victims, third parties, or others without a specific written request and approval from the attorney assigned to the case. There is a charge of $0.25/page for copies of police reports.

2. If I report a crime, do I have to be involved?

This question depends on the circumstances. Our office and law enforcement will make every effort to keep the person anonymous if they request. However, in some instances the law requires the office to disclose that information and you may become involved in the case as a witness.

3. Can I receive information about juvenile or child protection cases?

This office is prohibited under State law from disclosing information about these cases, except to certain persons in limited situations.

4. How and where do you file a police report?

The Lyon County District Attorney cannot file police reports. You need to file a report with the law enforcement agency. The Lyon County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency for Lyon County with offices in Yerington, Silver Springs, Fernley and Dayton. The Yerington Police Department handles police reports for the City of Yerington. Contact the Yerington Tribal Police Department to file a police report on the Yerington Paiute Tribe Colony or Campbell Ranch. Once the agency receives the report and completes the investigation, the agency decides whether to submit the case to our office for review. In some cases, the matter will not be referred to our office. Misdemeanor cases for the City of Yerington and City of Fernley are usually handled by the Yerington and Fernley City Attorneys.