Show All Answers

1. Once a crime is reported, what happens?

The sheriff's office and other law enforcement agencies such as Nevada Highway Patrol, Fallon Police Department, Nevada Department of Investigations and Tribal Police, investigate reported crimes. Completed investigations are submitted to the District Attorney's Office for review. The assigned Deputy District Attorney review that case and makes a charging decision.

2. Who decides what charges to file and how do they make the decision?

The assigned Deputy District Attorney makes the decision to pursue formal charges. The decision is based upon the evidence and the applicable law.

3. If I get a subpoena, do I have to go to court?

Yes. A subpoena is a court order to appear. If you fail to appear, the judge may impose a fine or a jail sentence.

4. Why am I a witness? I didn't see the crime happen.

Witnesses are not limited to eye witnesses. You may not have seen the crime happen, but you may know something about it. You may also know something about a piece of evidence, or you may know something that contradicts another witness' testimony. If you have questions regarding why you have been subpoenaed, ask the prosecutor assigned to the case.

5. How do I report a crime?

All crime reports should be directed to the law enforcement agency where the crime occurred. In emergency situations, call 911. Otherwise, crimes committed in Churchill County may be report to the Churchill County Sheriff's office at (775) 423-6561. A crime report can also be filed in person at the Churchill County Sheriff's Office.