Criminal Prosecution

Paul B. Schaub, County Attorney (Class II, ID, IC, IB, IA and I Felony Cases)

Amber Horn, Chief Deputy (Class IV, IIIA, III and IIA Felony Cases)

Darlene M. Shafer (Infractions and Misdemeanors)

Criminal Prosecution

The Office of the Cheyenne County Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of all felony and misdemeanor crimes. The mission is to actively investigate and prosecute all crimes that occur in Cheyenne County. Determination of the filing of criminal complaints is based upon the attorney’s review of reports generated by the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office, Sidney Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies. In felony cases, the attorney follows the case from the preliminary hearing in County Court to the eventual adjudication in District Court. 

Objectives:

•   Unbiased approach to the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity in Cheyenne County.

•   Build a relationship with the community, law enforcement and other governmental agencies to protect the citizens of                  Cheyenne County.

•   Aid those who are victims of crimes in Cheyenne County. 

Answers to frequently asked questions:

•  The County Attorney, Deputy County Attorneys and any employee of the County Attorney’s Office are prohibited from                 referring any legal matter to a particular lawyer.

•  The County Attorney, Deputy County Attorneys and any employee of the County Attorney’s Office are prohibited from                 providing legal advice in private legal matters.

•  The County Attorney, Deputy County Attorneys and any employee of the County Attorney’s Office are prohibited from                 discussing pending legal matters directly with a person who is represented by an attorney.

•  Property recovered by law enforcement as part of a criminal investigation may be held as evidence by the agency that               recovered it. Such property will be held until it is no longer required as evidence. When the case is resolved, contact the           County Attorney’s Office.

•  In cases involving monetary loss from either a property crime or a crime involving bodily injury, the County Attorney can             ask a defendant to pay that loss back in the form of restitution. You must provide proof of the amount of the loss.                      There must also be evidence that the defendant has the ability to pay. 

If you believe that you have been a victim of a crime or have information about a crime, please contact
the Cheyenne County Sheriff’s Office at 308-254-2922, Sidney Police Department at 308-254-7846 or the Nebraska State Patrol  at 308-632-1211.  Once a report has been filed with the appropriate law enforcement division, the case will be given to the County Attorney for review and prosecution.