Closed court

Budget problems could stop the opening of a new courtroom in the Washoe courts complex downtown. The district attorney and public defender offices have said it is uncertain whether they will have enough people to staff the new courtroom.

Sheriff Mike Haley joined them, saying, “The condition is the same at the sheriff’s office, regardless if civil or criminal court is held. I am responsible for the safety and security of each and every courtroom at the district courthouse. I will have a difficult time staffing cases moved to the new Washoe District courtroom.”

Nevada Revised Statute 248.100 requires the sheriff to have a deputy in every courtroom. District courts are actually state courts, but they are funded by the counties.