Citrus Heights Felony Criminal Defense Attorney

Arrested Or Under Investigation For A Felony?

If you or someone you care about is suddenly facing a serious criminal charge, it can feel like everything is at risk at once. Your freedom, your job, and your family life can all be affected by what happens in the next few weeks and months. You may be trying to make sense of court dates, jail, and calls from law enforcement, all while wondering who you can trust to stand between you and the prosecution.

At Walsh Law, we represent people who find themselves, sometimes unexpectedly, on the wrong side of the law. Our firm is led by attorney Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney and homicide prosecutor with more than 19 years in criminal law and over 100 jury trials personally tried. We focus exclusively on criminal defense, and we intentionally limit the number of cases we accept so that we can give each felony matter the attention it deserves.

If you are dealing with a felony criminal charge that arose in or around Citrus Heights, we are here to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and start building a strategy as early as possible.

To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at (916) 610-3558.

Understanding Felony Charges in Citrus Heights, CA

Felonies are the most serious category of criminal offenses under California law. Unlike infractions or misdemeanors, felony charges often involve allegations of violence, significant financial loss, or serious threats to public safety. Because the stakes are so high, having a knowledgeable Citrus Heights felony lawyer on your side can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.

Felony cases are typically handled in California Superior Court and involve complex procedures, strict deadlines, and experienced prosecutors. Without strong legal representation, defendants may unknowingly waive important rights or accept unfavorable plea agreements.

What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in California?

California classifies crimes into three main categories: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. The primary differences between felonies and misdemeanors relate to the severity of the offense and the potential penalties.

Felonies are punishable by:

• More than one year in state prison
• Substantial fines
• Formal probation
• Long-term consequences, such as loss of firearm rights and difficulty passing background checks

Misdemeanors, by contrast, typically carry:

• Up to one year in county jail
• Smaller fines
• Summary (informal) probation

Some offenses, known as “wobblers,” can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. An experienced Citrus Heights felony lawyer can often advocate for a wobbler offense to be reduced to a misdemeanor, significantly limiting the potential penalties.

Common Types of Felony Offenses

Felony crimes cover a wide range of alleged conduct. At Walsh Law, we defend clients against many types of felony charges, including but not limited to:

• Violent Crimes: Assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, domestic violence felonies, homicide, and manslaughter
• Drug Felonies: Drug sales, trafficking, manufacturing, and possession with intent to distribute
• Sex Crimes: Sexual assault, rape, child molestation, and offenses requiring sex offender registration
• Theft & White-Collar Crimes: Grand theft, embezzlement, fraud, identity theft, and financial crimes
• Weapons Charges: Illegal firearm possession, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime
• Felony DUI: DUI involving serious injury, multiple prior DUI convictions, or fatalities

Each type of felony offense carries unique legal challenges. A skilled Citrus Heights felony lawyer will analyze the specific facts of your case and tailor a defense strategy accordingly.

Felony Penalties in California

The penalties for felony convictions in California can be severe and long-lasting. Depending on the offense, penalties may include:

• State Prison Sentences: Ranging from 16 months to life imprisonment
• Fines: Often reaching tens of thousands of dollars
• Probation or Parole: With strict conditions and ongoing supervision
• Strike Consequences: Under California’s Three Strikes Law, certain felonies count as “strikes,” leading to enhanced sentences for future convictions
• Loss of Civil Rights: Including firearm ownership and voting rights while incarcerated
• Permanent Criminal Record: Which can impact employment, housing, and professional licensing

Because of these serious consequences, it is essential to speak with a Citrus Heights felony lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest.

Felony FAQs

Can a felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in California?

Yes, some felony offenses—known as wobblers—may be reduced to misdemeanors through negotiation, court motions, or after successful completion of probation.

Will a felony conviction stay on my record forever?

In many cases, felony convictions can be expunged after probation is completed, though they may still appear on certain background checks. An attorney can advise you on post-conviction relief options.

What should I do if I’m arrested for a felony in Citrus Heights?

Remain silent, do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney, and contact a Citrus Heights felony lawyer immediately to protect your rights.

Do all felony cases go to trial?

No. Many felony cases are resolved through plea negotiations, dismissals, or reduced charges. However, being prepared for trial often strengthens your negotiating position.

Serious Felony Charges Demand A Proven Defense Team

When you are accused of a felony, the government brings significant resources to bear. Prosecutors build cases every day, and they know how to use the rules of evidence and procedure to their advantage. You deserve a defense team that understands that world from the inside and knows how to test every part of the state’s case.

Our firm is led by Chris Walsh, who served as a Chief Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County and previously worked as a deputy district attorney in Kings, Fresno, and Santa Clara counties. Over the course of more than 19 years in criminal law, he has personally tried more than 100 jury trials personally tried. His work as a homicide prosecutor and on other serious units means he spent years handling some of the most complex and high-stakes cases in California courts.

That background matters when you are facing a felony. We understand how charging decisions are made, what evidence prosecutors tend to rely on, and where weaknesses often hide in police investigations. We now use that insight to look at every felony file from a different angle and to develop defense strategies that focus on the real pressure points in the prosecution’s case.

At the same time, we do not run a high-volume operation. We focus our practice on criminal defense and deliberately keep a selective caseload. That allows us to prepare thoroughly, meet with clients regularly, and stay responsive when something changes in your case.

To discuss your felony case in confidence, call (916) 610-3558 today.