Serving Sacramento County and Beyond Violent Crimes

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.

Granite Bay Violent Crime Lawyer

A violent crime accusation is among the most serious legal challenges a person can face. Whether the allegation stems from a heated argument that got out of hand, a case of mistaken identity, self-defense, or a more serious felony charge, a conviction can mean years in state prison, a permanent criminal record, and consequences that follow you for the rest of your life.

At Walsh Law, we focus exclusively on criminal defense and regularly handle serious violent charges in Northern California. Our firm is led by Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney and homicide prosecutor with more than 19 years in criminal law who has personally tried over 100 jury trials. We understand how prosecutors build these cases, and we work to stay a step ahead.

At , we deliver "The Gold Standard of Criminal Defense". Led by Chris Walsh—a former prosecutor with decades of criminal law experience and over 100 jury trials under his belt—our firm understands exactly how law enforcement investigates violent acts, how the District Attorney builds a case, and where evidence breaks down. We represent good people who find themselves on the wrong side of the law, combining white-glove service with intelligence, grit, and tireless courtroom advocacy.

You do not have to navigate this alone. Early legal help can affect everything from bail decisions to how charges are filed. Call (916) 610-3558 or complete our online contact form for a free, confidential 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.

Common Types of Violent Crimes in California

Violent crime charges cover a broad range of alleged conduct, and the specific offense you face will shape both the potential penalties and the defense strategy available to you. Common violent crime charges we defend against in Granite Bay include:

Assault (Penal Code 240) — An unlawful attempt to inflict violent injury on another person, which does not require actual physical contact to result in a charge.
Battery (Penal Code 242) — The unlawful and willful use of force or violence against another person, ranging from misdemeanor to felony depending on the severity of injury.
Domestic Violence — Assault or battery committed against a spouse, partner, family member, or someone with whom the accused shares a close relationship, often carrying additional mandatory consequences.
Robbery (Penal Code 211) — Taking property directly from a person through force or fear, always charged as a felony in California.
Criminal Threats (Penal Code 422) — Willfully threatening to kill or seriously injure another person in a way that causes them to reasonably fear for their safety.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Penal Code 245) — Assault committed with a weapon or force likely to cause great bodily injury, typically charged as a felony.
Homicide — Ranging from voluntary and involuntary manslaughter to first and second degree murder, representing the most serious charges in the criminal justice system.
Kidnapping (Penal Code 207) — Unlawfully moving another person a substantial distance against their will through force or fear.
Gang-Related Violence — Violent offenses alleged to be committed for the benefit of, or in association with, a criminal street gang, which can trigger significant sentencing enhancements.

To discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation, call (916) 610-3558 today.

Penalties for Violent Crime Convictions

Violent crime penalties in California vary significantly depending on the specific offense, the degree of injury involved, and the defendant's criminal history. Potential consequences include:

Misdemeanor convictions carrying up to one year in county jail and fines
Felony convictions carrying multiple years to life in state prison
"Strike" designations under California's Three Strikes Law for certain serious or violent felonies, which can dramatically increase sentences for future offenses
Sentencing enhancements for use of a weapon, infliction of great bodily injury, or gang involvement
Mandatory protective orders in domestic violence cases
Loss of firearm rights following certain convictions

Because many violent crime charges are classified as "strikes" under California law, a conviction can have consequences that extend far beyond the immediate sentence, potentially affecting how any future charge is handled for the rest of your life.

Legal Defenses to Violent Crimes

Facing a violent crime accusation does not mean a conviction is inevitable. Depending on the facts of your case, several defense strategies may apply, including:

Self-Defense or Defense of Others — Arguing that you reasonably believed force was necessary to protect yourself or someone else from imminent harm.
Mistaken Identity — Challenging witness identification, surveillance footage, or other evidence that may not clearly establish who was involved in the alleged incident.
False Accusation — Investigating whether the allegation arose from a personal dispute, custody battle, or other motive to fabricate or exaggerate an incident.
Lack of Intent — Demonstrating that the alleged conduct was accidental rather than willful, which is often a required element of violent crime charges.
Insufficient Evidence — Scrutinizing the prosecution's case for inconsistencies, unreliable witness testimony, or a lack of corroborating evidence.
Constitutional Violations — Challenging whether law enforcement violated your rights during questioning, searches, or evidence collection.
Alibi Evidence — Presenting evidence that you were elsewhere at the time the alleged incident occurred.

Our attorneys thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, often working with investigators and expert witnesses to challenge forensic evidence, witness credibility, and the prosecution's overall theory of the case.

The Violent Crime Case Process in Granite Bay

Arrest and Booking — Law enforcement takes the accused into custody and processes the charge.
Arraignment — Formal charges are filed, and the accused enters a plea; bail is also addressed at this stage.
Pre-Trial Motions and Negotiations — Your attorney reviews all evidence, files appropriate motions, and may negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or dismissal.
Trial or Resolution — The case is resolved through a plea agreement, dismissal, or trial, depending on the strength of the evidence and the strategy pursued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is domestic violence always charged as a felony?

No. Domestic violence charges can be filed as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity of the alleged injury and the circumstances involved. However, even misdemeanor convictions can carry significant consequences, including mandatory protective orders.

What counts as a "strike" under California's Three Strikes Law?

Certain serious and violent felonies, including many violent crime charges, are classified as "strikes." A prior strike can significantly increase the penalties for any future felony conviction.

Can self-defense be used even if I threw the first punch?

It depends on the circumstances. In some situations, if you reasonably believed you were in imminent danger and responded proportionately, self-defense may still apply, but the specific facts matter enormously.

Will I lose my gun rights if convicted of a violent crime?

Many violent crime convictions, particularly domestic violence and felony convictions, result in a loss of firearm rights, sometimes permanently.

Should I speak with police if I'm accused of a violent crime?

No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Speak with a defense attorney before answering any questions, as anything you say can be used against you.

Can a violent crime charge be reduced or dismissed?

It's possible, depending on the strength of the evidence and the circumstances of your case. Our attorneys thoroughly examine every case for weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence and opportunities for a favorable resolution.

Why Choose Walsh Law for Your Granite Bay Violent Crime Defense?

When facing violent crime allegations in Placer County, the quality of your legal representation directly influences your outcome. Walsh Law provides strategic advantages designed for high-stakes criminal litigation:

Former Prosecution Insider Knowledge — Having served as a prosecutor and Chief Assistant District Attorney, lead attorney Chris Walsh knows how the state constructs violent crime cases. We anticipate prosecutorial tactics, challenge faulty evidence early, and spot weaknesses in witness credibility.
Local Placer County Experience — Violent crime cases in Granite Bay are prosecuted in the Placer County Superior Court. We are thoroughly familiar with local court procedures, district attorneys, and judges, allowing us to craft effective, court-specific defense strategies.
Proven Trial Experience — Many law firms settle quickly due to a lack of courtroom comfort. Chris Walsh has personally tried more than 100 jury trials. Prosecutors know we are fully prepared to litigate your case in front of a jury, which strengthens our position in negotiations.
Selective Caseload — We intentionally limit the number of cases we accept so that every client receives direct, personalized attention from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. You will never be treated like a file number.

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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.

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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.