Serving Sacramento County and Beyond DUI Defense

We represent good people who find themselves, on occasion, on the wrong side of the law. We have extensive trial experience and are proven litigators. We have handled every type of criminal case from A to Z.

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Step 1: The Arrest

Don’t let the police take advantage of you while you’re in custody. Call Walsh Law right away, and we’ll get to work protecting your rights so you don’t inadvertently self-incriminate.
Step 2: The Arraignment

Walsh Law is an aggressive Folsom criminal defense firm that can argue for reasonable bail and help you await the end of your case from the comfort of your home.
Step 3: Pre-Trial Hearings

We’ll evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge weak evidence and inconsistencies, and do our due diligence to get the charges against you reduced or dropped.

Citrus Heights DUI Defense Attorney

Arrested for DUI in Citrus Heights, CA?

A DUI arrest in Citrus Heights can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you were pulled over leaving a local restaurant or stopped at a late-night checkpoint, the consequences—losing your driver’s license, facing thousands of dollars in fines, and the threat of jail time—are suddenly very real.

At Walsh Law, we represent good people who find themselves on the wrong side of the law. We understand that one mistake shouldn't define the rest of your life. As an aggressive criminal defense firm serving Sacramento County, we bring the "Gold Standard" of legal advocacy straight to Citrus Heights. You do not have to navigate the complex California legal system alone.

Call (916) 610-3558 to request a free initial consultation.

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Values You Can Relate To

Our Client Testimonials

“I have permanently added him to my contacts for any future needs. THANK YOU CHRIS!!”
“I am always able to get ahold of him directly either by cell or text including after hours and if for some reason he isn’t immediately available, he responds as soon as he can.”

- Melissa C.
“Mr Walsh is the very best!!”
“He was compassionate and explained to me what to expect in an easy way for me to understand. He was straightforward and delivered on what he said he could do for me!”

- Claudia H.
“I would like to thank Chris for helping me achieve a better deal.”
“I was in a bit of a situation and public defenders weren’t doing anything to help my case as if they didn’t have time. Which they don’t, but Chris Walsh did and came up with a few methods to fight my case.”

- Dewan P.

Former Prosecutorial Experience Working for You

Most DUI defense attorneys study how prosecutors think. Attorney Chris Walsh's background as a former prosecutor gives our team an inside edge that generic defense firms simply can't match — we know the tactics, the pressure points, and the weaknesses prosecutors rely on when building a DUI case. That experience is now yours to benefit from.

When you're facing DUI charges in Citrus Heights, you need more than a lawyer who reads the law — you need one who knows how to dismantle the case the prosecution is constructing against you. That's the Walsh Law standard

California DUI Laws

Under California Vehicle Code §23152, it’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is:

0.08% or higher for most adult drivers (over 21 years old)
0.04% or higher for commercial drivers
0.01% or higher for drivers under 21 or individuals on DUI probation

A DUI can be charged based on impairment (being unable to drive safely) or BAC level (even if you appear sober). In many cases, police rely on field sobriety tests or chemical tests (breath, blood, or urine) to determine intoxication, but these tests are not always accurate.

A first-time DUI is generally charged as a misdemeanor, but aggravating factors—such as high BAC, accidents, or prior convictions—can elevate the charge to a felony.

Reach out now to gain the support you need to move forward with confidence.

Common Types of DUI Charges

DUI charges in Citrus Heights can vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest. Below are some of the most common DUI-related offenses we defend:

First-Offense DUI: A first DUI charge often results in fines, probation, license suspension, and mandatory DUI school. Even though it’s typically a misdemeanor, it can still carry serious consequences without the right legal defense.
Multiple DUI Offenses: A second, third, or fourth DUI within a 10-year period can result in enhanced penalties—longer license suspensions, mandatory jail time, and installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
Felony DUI: A DUI may be charged as a felony if it involves serious injury or death, a fourth DUI within 10 years, or a prior felony DUI conviction. Felony DUIs carry severe penalties, including up to several years in state prison and permanent license revocation.
DUI with Injury: If a DUI accident causes bodily injury to another person, prosecutors can charge it as a DUI causing injury, a wobbler offense that may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony.
Underage DUI: Drivers under 21 face California’s strict “zero tolerance” policy—any detectable alcohol in the system (BAC of 0.01% or higher) can result in license suspension, fines, and other penalties.
DUI of Drugs (DUID): California also prohibits driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, marijuana, and illegal substances. Unlike alcohol DUIs, DUIDs rely on officer observation and blood tests, both of which are subject to challenge.
Refusal to Submit to Testing: Refusing to take a breath or blood test after arrest can trigger automatic license suspension under California’s implied consent law—even before a court conviction.

Possible Penalties for DUI Convictions in California

DUI penalties vary based on the number of prior offenses and specific case circumstances. Common penalties include:

First DUI: Up to 6 months in jail, $390–$1,000 in fines, 3–9 months of DUI school, and up to a 6-month license suspension.
Second DUI: Up to 1 year in jail, $390–$1,000 in fines, 18–30 months of DUI school, and a 2-year license suspension.
Third DUI: Up to 1 year in jail, $390–$1,000 in fines, 30 months of DUI school, and a 3-year license suspension.
Felony DUI: Up to 3 years in state prison, $1,000+ in fines, and license revocation for 4 years or longer.

In addition, a DUI conviction can lead to:

Increased insurance premiums
Ignition interlock device (IID) requirements
Probation or community service
Difficulty obtaining employment

How Walsh Law Builds a Strong DUI Defense

At Walsh Law, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, from the traffic stop to the arrest and testing procedures. Our DUI defense attorneys in Citrus Heights challenge the evidence against you and ensure your constitutional rights were not violated.

Common defense strategies may include:

Challenging the legality of the traffic stop – Police must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over.
Questioning the accuracy of BAC testing – Breathalyzers and blood tests can be unreliable or improperly administered.
Examining field sobriety tests – These are subjective and often misinterpreted.
Highlighting medical conditions or external factors – Certain health issues, diets, or environmental factors can mimic signs of intoxication.
Negotiating reduced charges or dismissal – In many cases, we can secure lesser penalties or alternative resolutions.

DUI Defense FAQs

Can I refuse a breathalyzer test in California?

You can refuse a pre-arrest roadside test, but once arrested, refusal violates the implied consent law and can lead to an automatic license suspension and additional penalties.

Will I lose my driver’s license after a DUI arrest?

Yes, unless you act quickly. You only have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a DMV hearing to contest your license suspension. Our attorneys can help you schedule and represent you at that hearing.

Can a DUI charge be dismissed?

Yes. Many DUI charges are dismissed due to lack of probable cause, faulty testing, or procedural errors. An experienced attorney can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Do I need a lawyer for my first DUI?

Absolutely. Even a first-time DUI can result in significant penalties and long-term consequences. Having a skilled Citrus Heights DUI defense attorney can improve your chances of a favorable result.

Real Results for Real People

Our clients aren't case numbers — they're people with careers, families, and futures on the line. We've helped a first-time offender get a DUI charge reduced with no jail time. We've secured dismissed charges through diversion programs for clients who deserved a second chance. And we've gotten no charges filed at all in cases others might have walked away from.

Every case is different, but our commitment never changes: we fight, every step of the way, until we've exhausted every angle in your defense.

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Meet Our Team

We know it’s easy to get swept up with emotions and confusion in the aftermath of being charged with a crime. That’s why our Folsom criminal defense attorneys aim to shoulder as much of the burden as we can, providing reassurance plus honest insight and advice where you need it.

Learn More About Us

Why Walsh Law?

Walsh Law’s mission is to be the gold standard of criminal defense by providing superior legal advocacy in the face of potentially life-changing consequences.

Chris Walsh is a former prosecutor, so we know what you’re up against when you face criminal charges. Now, clients like you get to benefit from what we’ve learned in our careers and how we apply what we know to get the results you’re after.

Reach Out For a Free Consultation

Protect Your Future

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

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Authenticity
White-glove service with a healthy dose of blue-collar attitude. We're straight shooters driven by our strong fighting spirit to prevail.
Determination
It's the hallmark of our style of practice. We'll contest every case as far as necessary, are laser-focused on getting results, and we'll press on even if the going gets tough.
Excellence
We strive to achieve the best results possible but are never satisfied with just that. We constantly seek opportunities for improvement and follow through to get better.
Intelligence
We work smart and hard. We know the intricacies of the law and won't miss a chance to jump on a case's weak spots. Our strengths lie in skillfully sifting through case details to identify what's most important to a jury and presenting the facts persuasively.
Quality
We take pride in what we do and our record of results. No matter what our clients are going through, we're committed to protecting their rights and acting in their best interest.