Serving Northern California: Roseville, Auburn, Rocklin, Lincoln, Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Placerville, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee, Tahoe Communities and more.
Truckee Office
Our Truckee office is conveniently located by the Truckee Airport, just off of Highway 267 and close to I-80.
Get Directions to the Truckee Law
Offices of the Cohen Defense Group
| Monday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Directions to Our Truckee Office
From 80 Westbound (Reno)
Head west on I-80 from Reno. Continue on I-80 until you see signs for Truckee. Take exit 188 for CA-267 S toward Lake Tahoe. At the signal, turn left toward 267 to Lake Tahoe and Northstar. Keep going straight as you pass over the Truckee River. At the signal, turn left onto Soaring Way. Continue on Soaring Way for about 0.6 miles. You will pass the Truckee Tahoe Lumber Company on your right. Take the next right turn onto Business Park Drive, then turn left immediately into the parking lot.
From 80 Eastbound (Sacramento and Bay Area)
Head east on I-80 toward Reno. Continue on I-80 until you see signs for Truckee. Take exit 188B for CA-267 toward Lake Tahoe. Stay in the right lane toward South 267 and Lake Tahoe. Turn right at the signal onto to South 267/North Shore Road. Keep going straight as you pass over the Truckee River. At the signal, turn left onto Soaring Way. Continue on Soaring Way for about 0.6 miles. You will pass the Truckee Tahoe Lumber Company on your right. Take the next right turn onto Business Park Drive, then turn left immediately into the parking lot.
From 20 Eastbound (Grass Valley)
Head east on CA-20 Grass Valley. Continue on CA-20 until you see signs to take the ramp to merge onto I-80 E toward Reno. Continue on I-80 until you see signs for Truckee. Take exit 188B for CA-267 toward Lake Tahoe. Stay in the right lane toward South 267 and Lake Tahoe. Turn right at the signal onto South 267/North Shore Road. Keep going straight as you pass over the Truckee River. At the signal, turn left onto Soaring Way. Continue on Soaring Way for about 0.6 miles. You will pass the Truckee Tahoe Lumber Company on your right. Take the next right turn onto Business Park Drive, then turn left immediately into the parking lot.
The Truckee–Tahoe Region
Cohen Defense Group has deep roots in the Sierra Nevada region, where history and natural beauty intersect. From the legacy of the 1960 Winter Olympics at Palisades Tahoe to the historic significance of Donner Lake and Donner Memorial State Park, and the regional importance of Lake Tahoe, we understand the unique legal needs that come with living and doing business in this part of California.
Overview of Cohen Defense Group’s Truckee Practice
The Cohen Defense Group provides experienced criminal defense representation for residents and visitors in the Truckee and Tahoe region. We serve clients throughout the Truckee–North Lake Tahoe region, including Northstar, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Olympic Valley, and Alpine Meadows.
We understand the character of this mountain community, the seasonal influx of visitors, and how cases move through the local courts. Our team appears regularly in both Nevada County and Placer County and knows how to navigate each courthouse to protect your record and your future.
If you are facing a criminal charge in the Truckee or Tahoe area, you need an attorney who lives locally and understands how the local courts and community operate.
The Cohen Defense Group is unique in that we offer the same local knowledge and experience, alongside a strong record of defending serious and complex felony cases across California. No matter what charges you are facing, our skilled criminal defense attorneys are ready to help.
Types of Cases We Handle in the Truckee–Tahoe Area
We handle a full range of criminal charges, including:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
- Domestic violence
- Felony and misdemeanor defense
- Assault and battery
- Drug-related offenses
- Theft and property crimes
- Probation violations
- Cases involving students and young adults
Common Charges for Local Tahoe and Truckee Residents
Residents most often face:
- Domestic violence
- DUI
- Battery or assault
- Resisting arrest or obstruction
- Public intoxication
- Underage drinking
- Felony charges that could be reduced to misdemeanors with early intervention
- Sex offense allegations
Getting an attorney involved early helps ensure the full context of the situation is understood. In a small community that places a high priority on public safety, charges are often filed conservatively at the outset and may be higher than expected. An attorney who understands how cases progress here and what information to present can help ensure the charges align with the circumstances and can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case, especially when the difference is between a misdemeanor and a felony.
Common Charges for Tahoe-Truckee Visitors
The Truckee-Tahoe region is a small community that attracts a high number of visitors year-round. Holidays, ski season, and summer events bring large crowds into a small area, which creates a unique environment for law enforcement and the courts.
Many cases for vacationers or weekend visitors include alcohol use. Enforcement increases at beaches, ski resorts, marinas, and on major roadways when the area is busy. The most frequent charges include:
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- BUI (Boating Under the Influence)
- Public intoxication
- Underage drinking
If you were arrested while visiting, you may be concerned about having to return to the area for court appearances. Because Truckee and Tahoe City are in different counties, and appearance rules vary by county and by case, you should consult with a lawyer. In many situations, we can appear for you so you do not need to travel back for routine hearings. We will tell you exactly when a personal appearance is required and when it is not.
DUI and BUI: Key Local Considerations
DUI and BUI charges are common in the Truckee and Tahoe area.
DUI stops often begin with a traffic stop on Interstate 80 or after a report from another driver. DUI enforcement increases during holiday periods, ski season, and summer tourism, so more drivers are stopped during those high traffic times. Field sobriety tests and alcohol screenings can be influenced by factors like altitude, fatigue, and medical conditions, which makes early legal guidance important.
BUI means Boating Under the Influence. During the summer, officers increase patrols on the lakes. Under Harbors and Navigation Code 655, it is illegal to operate a boat or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the penalties are similar to a DUI, including fines, classes, and possible jail time. On busy holiday weekends, law enforcement may set up planned enforcement efforts at popular beaches and on the water. This means more officers are present, they are actively looking for alcohol related violations, and multiple people may be cited or arrested in a short period of time.
In fast-moving situations, procedural mistakes can occur, and an attorney can help identify issues that are not obvious without legal experience.
If you are arrested, it is important to speak with an attorney right away.
Pre-Filing Representation in Tahoe-Truckee: Preventing Charges Before They Are Filed
Not every case has to begin in court. If you contact an attorney early, there is sometimes an opportunity to resolve a situation before charges are filed. We communicate with law enforcement and the district attorney during the review process, provide context, and present key information at the right time. Early involvement can protect your record and may prevent a case from ever being filed.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Truckee Ski Resort Domestic Violence Charge Reduced
Situation:
A client from out of state was involved in a domestic dispute at a ski resort in Truckee (Placer County) that resulted in law enforcement being contacted. Due to the nature of the report, there was a possibility that the case could be filed as a serious and violent felony.
Challenge:
A felony filing, and especially a serious and violent one over a general one, would have long-term consequences for the client.
Strategy:
The client hired us immediately. During the pre-filing stage, we opened communication with the district attorney, presented context, and provided information before a decision was made.
Result:
The case was charged as a misdemeanor rather than a felony. This immediately improved our client’s chances of negotiating for reduced consequences or a dismissal of the case.
Case Study 2: Arrest During Police Response Resolved Without Jail Time in North Lake Tahoe
Situation:
An elderly man came outside while his son’s friend was being arrested following a motorcycle stop that escalated in North Lake Tahoe. Officers were restraining the young man on the ground, and he was screaming. The client and his son were concerned about how the situation was unfolding and stayed nearby to watch. The client was then detained. While handcuffed on the ground, his pants began to slip down, and he attempted to pull them up.
Challenge:
My client’s movement to adjust his pants was interpreted as resisting and as an attempt to reach for an officer’s firearm. The firearm allegation alone was a felony, and both the client and his son were arrested.
Strategy:
We reviewed body camera footage and the details of the interaction to show what happened and why the client was positioned near the arrest. We demonstrated that the movement was caused by his physical limitations and was not an attempt to resist or to reach for anything. We also addressed the context that led to the misunderstanding.
Result:
The client was not convicted of the felony allegation. The case was reduced to a misdemeanor and resolved without additional jail time.
Case Study 3: Early Legal Action in Sexual Assault Case Prevented Charges from Being Filed in Truckee
Situation:
A client learned of possible allegations of sexual assault in Truckee that could lead to criminal charges. They contacted our office immediately before any charges were filed.
Challenge:
Allegations of this nature carry serious consequences, even if a person is never convicted. A formal filing could have caused significant harm to the client’s personal and professional life.
Strategy:
We acted quickly during the pre-filing stage and opened communication with law enforcement and the district attorney. We provided information and context before a charging decision was made.
Result:
No charges were filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Court and Appearances
Contact a Truckee area attorney immediately. A consultation will help you understand the local process and your next steps. Early involvement can sometimes prevent more serious charges from being filed.
Do I need to come back to Truckee or Tahoe City for court if I was arrested while visiting?
Possibly. It depends on the charge and the county.
In many cases, our attorneys can appear for you so you do not have to return to the area.
Yes. Truckee cases are handled in Nevada County. Tahoe City cases are handled in Placer County. Each county has its own filing practices, courtroom expectations, and appearance rules. We work in both and understand how each courthouse operates.
Local Laws and Common Charges
• Boating Under the Influence (BUI) under Harbors and Navigation Code 655 is treated like a DUI and can bring serious penalties
• Using another person’s ski season pass can lead to a misdemeanor charge and up to 180 days in jail for a first offense
Yes. Holiday weekends such as the Fourth of July often bring increased law enforcement activity at beaches, lakes, and tourist areas.
Law Enforcement Contact and Arrest Situations
Some community members believe they experience repeated contact with law enforcement. If this is happening, document interactions including dates, times, and what occurred. California has legal protections designed to prevent biased enforcement, and an attorney can review patterns to determine if any protections may apply.
This can happen when emotions are high or multiple people are present. It is important to speak with an attorney immediately so that the details can be reviewed, and the situation can be explained to the district attorney in the proper context.
Tell the officer as early as possible. Movements caused by pain, age, mobility limits, or medical conditions can be misinterpreted during an arrest. If there is a concern about how the situation was handled, an attorney can review body camera footage.
Firm Procedures and Services
Appointments are required.
Not at this time.
Understanding the Two Local Court Systems
Nevada County has jurisdiction over Truckee cases and Placer County has jurisdiction over Tahoe City cases. Because they are in different counties, each courthouse has its own procedures for filings, scheduling, and court appearances. Each courthouse also has its own dedicated judge, prosecutor and courtroom staff.
In Tahoe City, a commissioner usually oversees criminal matters, and retired judges may rotate in when needed. In Truckee, a judge hears the cases. Because a small group of people handles the criminal cases in each courthouse, it helps to have an attorney who regularly works with them and understands how each courtroom functions.
Our firm regularly appears in both Nevada and Placer counties. We have the experience to guide your case and present it in a way that aligns with local nuances, expectations, and procedures.
Why Choose the Cohen Defense Group
- Strong Record in Serious and Complex Cases
For the most serious offenses, you benefit from an attorney with significant high-level experience. Our lead Truckee-Tahoe attorney, Roy Park, spent multiple years in Major Crimes Units handling charges such as murder, sex offenses, and cases carrying potential sentences of 25 years to life. This background gives you a level of defense strategy and case preparation that is rarely available in smaller communities. - Committed Representation for All Cases, Big or Small
Whether your case is a DUI, a misdemeanor, or a DMV hearing, your rights and future are still at risk. We do not treat smaller cases as routine. You receive the same level of attention, preparation, and advocacy as someone facing a serious felony. Your case matters, and we take it seriously. - Local Knowledge with Broader Experience
You get the benefit of an attorney who lives and works in this community and understands how the Truckee and Tahoe courts operate, and who also has the broader experience that comes from handling serious and complex cases across California. This powerhouse combination provides a vigorous defense that fits the unique legal landscape here. - Professional Relationships that Support Your Case
Most criminal matters in each courthouse are handled by the same judge, commissioner, prosecutor, and courtroom staff. We appear in both Nevada and Placer counties on a regular basis and know how to navigate local procedures, personalities, and expectations so your case is presented favorably from the start. - Identify Overlooked Legal Issues Early
We know where procedural errors and legal issues commonly arise and can identify problems that may not be obvious without legal experience. - Current on the Law, Highly Motivated, and Focused on Your Rights
You are represented by an attorney who stays up to date on changes in the law and brings a modern and proactive approach to criminal defense. All our attorneys have the drive and the experience needed to protect you effectively. - Resources and Team Support When You Need It
As the largest criminal defense firm serving the Truckee-Tahoe area, you benefit from a full team of attorneys, investigators, and support staff. We have the resources to dig deeper, move faster, and defend your case at every stage.
Our Truckee Attorney Is Ready to Discuss Your Case
Community Involvement and Local Impact
We are active members of the community and committed to supporting local organizations and nonprofits. For example, one of our Truckee attorneys, Roy Park, is an active member of the Tahoe Truckee Bar Association and serves as the appointed attorney for the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee, a program that helps individuals charged with minor offenses access housing, employment, and services that can lead to case dismissal and reduce repeat court involvement. This work focuses on long-term solutions rather than punishment and helps people get back on their feet.
We also support local programs that strengthen the Truckee and Tahoe community, including Girls On The Run, Truckee Trails, Tahoe SnowFest, and North Tahoe Truckee Homeless Services.
Court Information
Nevada County Superior Court
10075 Levon Ave
Truckee, CA 96161
Nevada County Superior Court
Placer County Superior Court Tahoe Courthouse, Dept. 14
2501 N Lake Blvd
Tahoe City, CA 96145
Placer County Superior Court
Placer County Superior Court Tahoe Courthouse FAQs
Reach Out Today About Your Case
To speak with an attorney about a Truckee or Tahoe criminal case, contact the Cohen Defense Group at (530) 563-3009 by phone or text or fill out the form below to schedule a consultation. We will help you understand your rights and options and how to move forward.