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.

Play Video

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.

El Dorado Hills DUI Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Legal Defense for DUI Charges in El Dorado Hills, CA

An afternoon at the local vineyards or a night out in El Dorado Hills shouldn’t cost you your driver’s license, your career, or your freedom. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in El Dorado County, the clock is already ticking on your driving privileges. You need an aggressive, sophisticated defense team that understands exactly how local law enforcement and prosecutors build their cases. At Walsh Law, we don’t just manage DUI cases—we fight them. We provide white-glove legal service backed by a fierce, blue-collar determination to protect your future.

Our founding attorney, Chris Walsh, is a former prosecutor. This unique background gives Walsh Law an undeniable edge. We know the exact playbook the state uses in DUI investigations, from the flaws in Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) to the strict maintenance protocols required for breath- and blood-testing equipment. We don’t wait for the prosecution to make their move—our team skillfully sifts through the evidence to identify the weak spots in their case, forcing charge reductions or total dismissals wherever possible.

If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI in El Dorado Hills, call (916) 610-3558 or contact us online today to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced El Dorado Hills DUI defense lawyer.

Continue Reading Read Less

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.

California DUI Laws

Under California Vehicle Code § 23152, it is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle while:

Under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription drugs or marijuana)
Having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more (for adult drivers)
Having a BAC of 0.01% or more (for drivers under 21)
Having a BAC of 0.04% or more (for commercial drivers)

DUI charges in California can be filed as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances, such as prior convictions, whether anyone was injured, and if there was a refusal to take a chemical test.

Penalties can include:

Jail time
Fines and court fees
License suspension or revocation
DUI education programs
Installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
Probation

At Walsh Law, our El Dorado Hills DUI defense lawyer helps clients navigate both the criminal court system and the administrative DMV process, which are two separate proceedings that can affect your future.

Common Types of DUI Charges

California law recognizes several types of DUI offenses, each with unique consequences. Our firm defends clients against a wide range of DUI-related charges in El Dorado Hills, including:

First-Time DUI

A first DUI offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor but still carries significant penalties such as a 6-month license suspension, DUI school, fines, and potential jail time. We work to negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing when possible.

Multiple DUI Offenses

Repeat DUI offenders face increased penalties, including longer license suspensions, extended DUI school, and mandatory jail time. We help clients challenge the validity of prior convictions and examine whether legal procedures were followed correctly.

Felony DUI

A DUI may be charged as a felony if:

It’s your fourth or subsequent DUI within 10 years
The DUI involved an accident that caused injury or death
You have a prior felony DUI conviction
Felony DUI convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, large fines, and a permanent criminal record.

DUI with Injury

Under Vehicle Code § 23153, causing bodily harm while driving under the influence significantly raises the stakes. These cases are “wobblers,” meaning they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the injuries and circumstances.

Drug DUI (DUID)

Driving under the influence of drugs—including marijuana, prescription medications, or illegal narcotics—can result in a DUID charge. These cases can be harder to prove since there's no legal limit like with alcohol, but chemical tests and officer observations are often used. We scrutinize the evidence to challenge flawed testing methods or unlawful traffic stops.

Underage DUI

Drivers under 21 are subject to California’s zero-tolerance law and can be charged for having even a 0.01% BAC. Penalties include license suspension and mandatory alcohol education programs. Our firm helps young drivers and their families minimize the long-term consequences of a youthful mistake.

FAQs About DUI Charges in El Dorado Hills, CA

What happens after a DUI arrest in El Dorado Hills?

You will face both a criminal court case and a DMV administrative hearing. The DMV will try to suspend your license unless you request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest. The criminal case will determine fines, jail time, and other penalties. An experienced DUI defense attorney can represent you in both proceedings.

Can I fight DUI charges even if I failed a breathalyzer?

Yes. Breathalyzer and chemical test results can be challenged. Common defenses include improper calibration, operator error, medical conditions affecting BAC, and unlawful traffic stops. No test is perfect, and police must follow strict procedures.

Will I lose my license after a DUI?

You could, but not automatically. You have the right to a DMV hearing, which is separate from your court case. If successful, your license suspension can be avoided or delayed. We handle DMV hearings and fight to keep you on the road legally.

How long will a DUI stay on my record in California?

A DUI conviction stays on your driving record for 10 years and may impact insurance rates and future DUI penalties. A criminal DUI conviction remains permanently unless expunged. We help eligible clients pursue expungement when appropriate.

Should I hire a DUI lawyer even for a first offense?

Absolutely. Even a first DUI can have serious consequences. A skilled DUI lawyer can potentially reduce or dismiss charges, protect your license, and limit long-term damage to your record. Going it alone risks harsher penalties.

DUI Defense Results That Speak for Themselves

We don't just talk about aggressive defense — we deliver it. Our attorneys have secured charge reductions, dismissals, and favorable resolutions for DUI clients across Sacramento County and El Dorado County, including:

A DUI charge with enhancements was reduced with no jail time for a first-time offender deeply involved in her community
Misdemeanor DUI charges were fully dismissed through a diversion program for a 70-year-old veteran facing license loss and incarceration
A Placer County DUI arrest resulting in no charges filed after early and decisive legal intervention

Every case is different. But our commitment to fighting for the best possible outcome never is.

Contact us at (916) 610-3558 to schedule your consultation today.

Continue Reading Read Less

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

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Walsh Law at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

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.