Department Y

Judge Charter began serving with the 8^th Judicial District Court in January, 2021. She is assigned to hear dependency (child abuse and neglect) cases in the Family Division.  Judge Charter’s experience in dependency began many years ago when she worked for the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada as one of the first dedicated children’s attorneys with the Children’s Attorney’s Project. While with LACSN, Judge Charter started the Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Counsel for Children.  As an active member of the NACC, Judge Charter was part of panel presentations at the NACC’s annual conventions on topics related to best practices in child welfare. Judge Charter’s experience in dependency also includes working as a deputy district attorney in the dependency divisions for both Washoe and Clark Counties. 

Judge Charter has long been a supporter of the Truancy Diversion Program for which she served for several years as a volunteer Judge.  While with the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office, Judge Charter spearheaded the effort to start the TDP Program in conjunction with the Washoe County School District.

Judge Charter is admitted to the Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and California State Bars.  She earned her undergraduate degree with honors from South Dakota State University in 1988 where she was a member of the Pi Gamma Mu social sciences honor society.  Judge Charter earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1991.  At Creighton Law, Judge Charter was a member of the International Moot Court Board.    

Judge Charter and her family enjoy hiking in their free time and hanging out with their trio of dogs, including the newest member a “sproodle” puppy who is in training to join Judge Charter in Court and provide some joyful canine distraction to the families and children who visit her courtroom.