Principle Meets Possibility for Lancaster County

As Lancaster County Attorney, my mission will be to promote public safety and uphold the law by applying the right consequence to the right case, including incarceration when warranted while strengthening our justice system through proven, evidence-based approaches that reduce repeat offenses.

For more than three decades, I have served in Nebraska courtrooms as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. Working as a trial lawyer on each side of the courtroom has informed my view that justice must be strong, fair, and administered in a practical, common sense manner. I am running to deliver smart and accountable leadership for Lancaster County.

"I am proud to support Ritnour for County Attorney. As a County Commissioner, we urgently need more resources for mental health and programs that have been proven to reduce crime and lessen the burden on law enforcement. I believe Ritnour will bring the change the County Attorney’s office needs."

—Christa Yoakum, Lancaster County Commissioner
"Having worked alongside Randall Ritnour when I served as a deputy sheriff in Gage County, I can personally attest to his unwavering commitment to justice. He was always fair, exceptionally knowledgeable, and truly kept the victims at the heart of every case. Randy consistently partnered with our office and local police to build strong cases, ensuring criminals were held accountable for their actions."

—Burke Kline, former Gage County Deputy Sheriff

My Priorities

Public Safety First

Public safety comes first. I believe that it is our government's number one job to keep our residents safe. Violent and serious offenders will be prosecuted aggressively and decisively. Accountability is not negotiable. I will work to ensure that victims, witnesses, and their families receive support, clear communication, and meaningful participation in the pursuit of justice.

Smart, Evidence-Based Justice

Our jails are overcrowded with many individuals in custody struggling with untreated mental illness, substance abuse, and homelessness. Jail overcrowding strains county resources and does not always improve public safety. My office will work collaboratively with judges, law enforcement, pretrial services, and community stakeholders to improve and expand problem-solving courts and programs that can deliver real results.

Balanced Juvenile Justice Reform

Non-violent juveniles deserve a system that provides accountability without crushing future opportunity. I want to ensure that non-violent offenders are still able to secure education and good job opportunities and become productive members of our community. My office will seek comprehensive reform that firmly addresses misconduct, while ensuring there are resources and programs in place to reduce recidivism.

Ensuring Due Process

Justice requires fairness. I believe that protecting the constitutional rights of every individual — victims and accused alike — is fundamental to maintaining trust in our legal system. Due process is not a technicality; it is the foundation of equal justice under the law. As County Attorney, I will ensure that every case is handled with integrity, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. When the process is fair and impartial, the outcomes are stronger, the community’s confidence grows, and justice is truly served.

Randy Ritnour is a seasoned trial attorney with over 33 years of experience in criminal prosecution and defense.

He previously served as County Attorney in Gage and Johnson Counties, where he helped establish a four-county drug court designed to reduce recidivism and address substance abuse through accountability and treatment. He also worked to expand juvenile diversion programs that hold young offenders accountable while giving them a structured opportunity to correct course without permanently damaging their future.

In Johnson County, he was responsible for prosecuting crimes committed within the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, the state’s maximum-security facility.

Meet Randy

Professional Training and Affiliations

Training:

Adult Treatment Court Training, Annapolis, Maryland
Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC)
Medicolegal Death Investigator Training, Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Response to Bombing Incidents (RBI), New Mexico Tech Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC)
Multiple training courses through the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA)

Professional Memberships: