The City Attorney is elected by the voters of Sparks, and oversees a full service municipal law office that  aggressively prosecutes criminal cases, provides assistance and representation for victims of domestic violence, represents the City in civil litigation including administrative proceedings and provides day-to-day legal advice and written legal opinions to City Agencies, Boards, Commissions and elected City officials concerning governmental business transactions and employment matters.

Do you have a question about the City Attorney's Office? Please read our Frequently Asked Questions.

In the interests of open government, you may now read our Formal Opinions online. Click here to read our Opinions.

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2004-05 Community Accomplishments Report 77k PDF file

CRIMINAL DIVISION

• Prosecutes misdemeanors committed by adults in Sparks Municipal Court, including DUI's, traffic violations, domestic violence, assault and battery, petty theft, building or fire code violations and public nuisances.
• Represents the City in criminal appeals brought in Nevada District Court
• The City Attorney's Victim Advocate provides services and support to victims and families, contacts and interviews witnesses and provides factual information to the Courts.

• Defends the City in federal and state court litigation, including the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Nevada Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court in matters involving:
  •     Employment
  •     Civil rights violations
  •     Personal injury, property damage
  •     Contracts and collection of debts
  •     Civil enforcement of ordinances and statutes
  •     Real Property matters involving planning, zoning, easements and eminent domain.

ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE

• Advises city agencies in all aspects of government law
  • e.g. zoning, licensing, public works, public procurement, open meeting law, labor relations
• Attend all public meetings
• Day to day advice to city agencies and law enforcement personnel
• Formal written Opinions - Our Opinions are now online.
• Advises and assists City Agencies and Departments in commercial transactions
• Drafting and approving contracts and documents Real estate transactions
• Prepares legislation (charter changes, ordinances, resolutions)