Criminal Defense Attorney in Reno, NV

Boutique Criminal Defense Representation for Northern Nevada

A criminal charge puts your freedom, your employment, your housing, and your family relationships at risk. The choices made in the days immediately following an arrest shape every option available to your defense. At Berkich Lucey Law Group, we represent clients facing criminal charges in Reno, Carson City, and throughout Northern Nevada, and we treat every case as a priority from the first call forward.

Our attorneys, Sarah White, and Brittany Puzey, bring decades of combined legal experience to each client. With offices in both Reno and Carson City, we provide direct, accessible representation across Northern Nevada courts. What sets our approach apart is the same thing our family law clients have come to rely on: we keep you informed at every stage, explain what’s happening now, and tell you what to expect next.

If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with a crime in the Reno area, contact us before speaking with investigators. Call (775) 227-2404 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Criminal Defense Cases We Handle

We represent clients across a wide range of criminal charges in Reno and Carson City. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a serious felony, our attorneys approach every case with the same attention to detail and commitment to keeping you informed.

Domestic Violence Defense: We handle domestic violence cases, including protective order proceedings and matters where charges intersect with child custody disputes. Even a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction carries lasting consequences.
DUI Defense: We represent clients facing first-offense and enhanced DUI charges, examining the stop, arrest, and chemical testing procedures for legal deficiencies.
Felony Defense: We provide representation from arraignment through trial for clients charged with felony offenses in Washoe County and surrounding courts.
Violent Crimes Defense: Assault, battery, and related charges often turn on witness credibility and evidence context. We examine both.
Drug Crime Defense: From simple possession to trafficking allegations, we review how evidence was obtained and whether constitutional rights were respected during the investigation.
Theft Crime Defense: We handle shoplifting, larceny, and related charges, including negotiating reductions or alternatives to conviction where appropriate.
Misdemeanor Defense: A misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent record that can follow you for years. We represent clients who want to fight the charge, not simply accept it.

A Client-Centered Approach to Criminal Defense in Reno

High-volume criminal defense practices treat cases as inventory. We don’t. Our team includes attorneys, paralegals, a legal assistant, and an office manager, all focused on keeping clients informed and supported from start to finish. You won’t be left wondering what happened at your last hearing or what comes next.

Facing a criminal charge is one of the most stressful situations a person can navigate. Our approach centers on empathy and professionalism: we explain the legal process in plain terms, answer your questions directly, and help you understand your options at every decision point. That’s the relationship we build with every client.

Start Your Defense Today

If you’ve been arrested, exercise your right to remain silent until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Don’t discuss your case with police or on social media. Early legal involvement matters, and it can affect the options available to your defense.

Berkich Lucey Law Group offers confidential consultations for individuals facing criminal charges in Reno, Carson City, and across Northern Nevada. Call (775) 227-2404 or use our online contact form to get started.

Which Court Will Handle Your Case?

Where your case is heard depends on what you’re charged with. Understanding Washoe County’s court structure helps you make sense of what’s ahead.

Reno Justice Court handles misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for gross misdemeanor and felony cases. Misdemeanor arraignments are often scheduled within days of arrest, which is why prompt legal engagement matters.

The Second Judicial District Court (Washoe County District Court) has jurisdiction over gross misdemeanors, felonies, and serious criminal matters throughout Washoe County. Felony cases involve more complex procedures, including potential grand jury proceedings and jury trials.

Federal cases involving drug trafficking across state lines, weapons offenses with jurisdictional reach, or white-collar crimes fall under the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, Reno Division. Federal criminal procedure differs significantly from state court, and the stakes are typically higher.

What Happens After an Arrest in Nevada

For someone facing criminal charges for the first time, the process can feel disorienting. Here is what the sequence generally looks like in Washoe County.

After arrest, you go through booking and then an initial appearance or arraignment, where charges are formally read and a bail determination is made. At arraignment, you enter a plea. Pleading not guilty preserves your legal options and gives the defense time to investigate the prosecution’s evidence before any decisions are locked in.

Discovery follows arraignment. The prosecution must disclose the evidence it intends to use, and the defense can challenge how that evidence was gathered. Pretrial motions can seek to exclude evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights. Most criminal cases in Washoe County resolve through negotiation rather than trial, but building a strong pretrial position can create leverage at the negotiating table.

Consequences That Follow a Conviction

Jail time and fines are only part of what a conviction costs. A criminal record creates barriers that persist long after the case is closed.

Employment and Licensing: Many employers and licensing boards conduct background checks. A felony or certain misdemeanor convictions can disqualify applicants from jobs or professional licenses.
Housing: Landlords routinely screen for criminal records, and a conviction can limit your housing options significantly.
Civil Rights: A felony conviction in Nevada results in the loss of voting rights while incarcerated. Under Nevada law, those rights are automatically restored upon release from prison, even for individuals still on parole or probation.
Domestic Violence Convictions: Even a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction triggers federal firearm restrictions under the Lautenberg Amendment and can directly affect child custody proceedings.
Immigration Status: Non-citizens facing criminal charges in Nevada risk deportation or inadmissibility consequences that a conviction can trigger.
Record Sealing: Nevada law allows for record sealing after certain waiting periods, with eligibility depending on the charge type and case outcome. Avoiding a conviction, or negotiating a lesser charge, can affect future sealing options.

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Compassionate & Professional Legal Representation

Here at Berkich Lucey Law, we take pride in the favorable outcomes we experience while advocating for our clients’ needs. From mediating a difficult divorce to untangling confusing custody proceedings, there’s no family matter that we won’t handle with compassion and professionalism. If you are in need of a lawyer who understands the emotionally taxing process and will work tirelessly for you and your well being, contact Berkich Lucey Law Group today.

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At Berkich Lucey Law Group, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (775) 227-2404 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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