Former Lyon prosecutor announces he's running for district attorney

Former Lyon County prosecutor Bob Auer announced his intention Friday to run for the Lyon County District Attorney seat being left vacant by Leon Aberasturi's candidacy for Third Judicial District Court judge.

"I am running for Lyon County District Attorney because I would like to be a catalyst for change in the manner in which crimes related to alcohol and drug abuse are prosecuted," he said in a press release Friday. "During my time as a prosecutor, I have come to the realization that almost every crime is in some fashion alcohol or drug related."

Auer, a longtime Nevadan, defends civil lawsuits brought against the state for the Nevada Attorney General's Office.

"We need to do a better job of protecting the innocent - especially the children and the elderly - who are affected by drug- and alcohol-related crimes. I have seen many examples where persons using drugs or alcohol needed to be rehabilitated to get a second chance in life."

He said he wants to better utilize the drug court and other rehabilitation programs to help people, and to prosecute drug dealers to the fullest extent of the law."

Auer, 52, said he has acquired an extensive background in both civil and criminal litigation in his 23 years practicing law.

His career began in the Carson City District Attorney's Office as counsel to city boards and commissions, civil litigator, child support advocate and criminal prosecutor.

After six years in Carson, Auer moved on to the Lyon County District Attorney's office where he worked for two years as a deputy district attorney prosecuting criminal cases.

He believes one strength he would bring to the office is his "extensive" trial experience in civil and criminal cases. He said one change he would like to see is more emphasis on in-house civil litigation. Auer also believes a successful office hinges on a leadership that shapes uniform policies on charging, trying and settling cases.

Auer is admitted to practice law in all state and federal courts in Nevada, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Auer earned a juris doctorate degree in 1983 from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific in Sacramento. He and his wife of 24 years, Robin Williams-Auer, live in Dayton.