El Dorado Hills Felony Lawyer

Charged with a Felony Offense in El Dorado Hills, CA?

Facing a felony charge in California is one of the most serious legal challenges you can experience. A felony conviction can impact your freedom, reputation, career, and future in devastating ways. At Walsh Law, we understand the gravity of felony charges and are committed to delivering skilled, strategic defense for individuals accused of serious crimes. 

If you or a loved one is facing a felony charge in El Dorado Hills, CA, do not wait—contact an experienced El Dorado Hills felony attorney at (916) 610-3558 immediately to protect your rights and future.

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

In California, criminal offenses are categorized primarily as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies, depending on their severity.

• Misdemeanors are less severe crimes, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or fines. Common examples include petty theft and simple assault.
• Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses. They carry potential penalties of more than one year in prison, often served in state prison, and can include life imprisonment or even the death penalty in extreme cases.

Some crimes are considered “wobblers,” meaning they can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony based on the circumstances and the discretion of the prosecution. An experienced El Dorado Hills felony lawyer can sometimes negotiate to reduce a wobbler offense to a misdemeanor, significantly lessening the consequences.

Common Types of Felony Offenses

At Walsh Law, we represent clients facing a wide range of felony charges. Some of the most common types of felony cases we handle include:

Violent Crimes

These are among the most aggressively prosecuted offenses and can include:

• Murder or attempted murder
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Robbery
• Domestic violence (charged as a felony in severe cases)
• Kidnapping

Sex Crimes

Felony sex offenses often come with mandatory registration as a sex offender, in addition to lengthy prison terms:

• Rape
• Sexual assault
• Possession or distribution of child pornography
• Lewd acts with a minor

Drug Crimes

Felony drug charges may apply based on the type and quantity of the drug and whether there was intent to distribute:

• Possession of controlled substances for sale
• Drug trafficking
• Manufacturing or cultivating illegal substances

Theft and Property Crimes

Felony property offenses typically involve high-value items or aggravating circumstances:

• Grand theft
• Burglary (especially residential burglary)
• Auto theft
• Arson

White Collar Crimes

These non-violent crimes often involve financial deception:

• Embezzlement
• Fraud
• Identity theft
• Money laundering

Felony Penalties in California

The penalties for felony convictions in California can vary significantly depending on the nature of the crime, prior criminal history, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Possible penalties include:

• State prison sentence of 16 months, 2 years, 3 years, or more, depending on the statute
• Life imprisonment in severe or violent felony cases
• Fines of up to $10,000 or more
• Probation with strict terms and regular supervision
• Loss of civil rights, including the right to vote or possess firearms
• Mandatory sex offender registration for sex crime convictions
• Three Strikes Law consequences, which can significantly increase prison time for repeat offenders

Felony convictions also carry long-term collateral consequences such as difficulty obtaining employment, housing, or professional licenses. At Walsh Law, we fight not only to defend you from conviction but also to reduce the lasting impact on your life.

FAQs About Felony Charges in El Dorado Hills, CA

Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes. In some cases, particularly with wobbler offenses, a felony charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor through plea bargaining or sentencing. Your attorney will assess your case and explore all legal avenues for reduction.

Will I go to prison if I’m convicted of a felony?

Not necessarily. Some felony convictions may result in probation, especially for first-time offenders or non-violent crimes. However, many felonies carry mandatory prison time. A skilled El Dorado Hills felony lawyer can fight for alternatives to incarceration when possible.

What is a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law?

A “strike” is a prior conviction for a serious or violent felony. If you have one or more strikes on your record, future felony convictions can result in significantly enhanced penalties, including 25 years to life for a third strike.

How soon after an arrest should I contact a felony lawyer?

Immediately. Time is critical in felony cases. Early legal intervention can influence charging decisions, preserve evidence, and help build a strong defense strategy from the outset.

Can a felony conviction be expunged in California?

In limited cases, yes. If you were not sentenced to state prison and successfully completed probation, you may be eligible to have the felony expunged. However, expungement does not restore all civil rights or remove all consequences.

Why Choose Walsh Law?

Felony charges demand experienced and aggressive legal representation. At Walsh Law, we bring:

• A deep understanding of California felony laws and local court procedures in El Dorado Hills
• A commitment to personalized, strategic defense tailored to your case
• A proven track record of reducing charges, securing dismissals, and winning in court
• Compassionate support through every phase of your legal journey

Whether you are under investigation, have been arrested, or are already facing felony charges, we are here to protect your rights and fight for your future.

Contact us today at (916) 610-3558 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your future.