I care about this community and your safety is my business. 

Our community continues to be one of the safest places to live in California, and in recent years we have seen a decrease in the severity of crime. Violent crime in Nevada County has decreased substantially since 2006, and the most recent FBI statistics show Nevada County as one of only nine California counties with a decreased crime rate in 2016.  However, public safety requires constant vigilance and a proactive approach through prevention as well as prosecution.   

I have spent the last twelve years working to create a modern District Attorney’s office that exemplifies experience, integrity, and courage. As experienced prosecutors, we make decisions based on the facts and the law, we know which criminals to target, and we do what’s right.

Dr. Terry McAteer and Cliff discuss Cliff's qualifications.

My Deputy District Attorneys and I take an especially strong stance against the criminal activities that threaten the quality of life in our community. 

A solid working relationship with law enforcement remains critical to the success of the office. Over the last twelve years, cooperation, communication and a team approach toward solving crimes and prosecuting criminals, has enhanced the effectiveness of law enforcement in Nevada County. 

Together with our team of dedicated attorneys and staff, we have managed to get the job done despite significant challenges from Sacramento.  I have implemented programs that have helped decrease recidivism, decrease violent crime, increase public safety, and address the “revolving door” within the population of the County Jail system.  

Dr. Terry McAteer and Cliff Newell discuss Crime in Nevada County.

Nevada County Criminal Justice system faces many serious challenges.  

We are faced with dramatic challenges and changes to the criminal justice system due to “Realignment.” "Realignment" is the legislature’s mandate that we keep criminal offenders locally instead of sending them to prison in order to reduce prison overcrowding. While I fought against this law, the law passed, and has since been implemented.

"Realignment" continues to be a significant issue for the criminal justice system and a challenge to public safety. My past experience as a probation officer, prosecuting trial attorney and the elected District Attorney for 12 years make me uniquely-qualified to lead Nevada County through the upcoming challenges. 

The DA's office is efficient and effective.  We continue to be good stewards of public funds by working hard and working smart.  

My work is not finished...

Although we have accomplished much in the last twelve years, there is still work to be done in the administration of justice in Nevada County.  

Dr. Terry McAteer and Cliff Newell discuss the complicated challenges facing the work of the DA's Office.

I look forward to leading the Office through the next four years and into the future. 

 Thank you for your support.

I thank the voters for their continued support and confidence in my ability to honestly and effectively lead the Office of the District Attorney in order to ensure the future well-being and safety of our community.

Cliff Newell