Serving Sacramento County and Beyond Sacramento

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.

Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney

A Former Prosecutor Leads Your Defense

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime in Sacramento, early decisions can affect statements, evidence, bail and release conditions, and the next court appearance. A criminal conviction can lead to serious consequences, including jail or prison time, fines, a criminal record, and effects on professional licenses, housing opportunities, and personal freedoms.

During this high-stakes period, you shouldn’t have to navigate the California legal system alone. At Walsh Law, our criminal defense lawyers in Sacramento review the allegations, available evidence, and procedural history to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s position and prepare for negotiations, hearings, or trial. Chris Walsh previously served as a Chief Assistant District Attorney and homicide prosecutor.

If you’re facing criminal allegations, call (916) 610-3558 to schedule a free consultation with our defense attorneys in Sacramento.

Our firm handles the following types of criminal cases:

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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.

Misdemeanor, Felony Classes, and Penalties in CA

California criminal law divides offenses into three primary categories: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Certain crimes known as “wobblers” can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the alleged conduct, charging decision, and applicable law.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are more serious than infractions but less severe than felonies. Potential consequences vary by statute and case circumstances and can include county jail, probation, fines, and other court-ordered conditions. Examples include some first-time DUI allegations, petty theft, and simple battery.

Felonies

Felonies are the most severe crimes and can carry county jail, state prison, probation, fines, and other restrictions. Penalties vary by the specific charge, sentencing law, criminal history, and surrounding facts:

Lower-Level Felonies: May involve probation or a determinate jail or prison sentence.
Serious or Violent Felonies: Can carry substantially longer prison terms, including life sentences for certain offenses.

California’s Three Strikes Law

California’s Three Strikes Law can affect sentencing when qualifying prior serious or violent felony convictions are involved. Whether a prior conviction counts as a strike, and how it affects a current case, depends on the person’s record, the current offense, and statutory definitions. A second-strike sentence may be doubled, while a qualifying third-strike case can carry a sentence of 25 years to life under California law.

Contact us today at (916) 610-3558 to schedule your free consultation with our criminal defense lawyers in Sacramento. We are ready to protect your rights.

The Legal Process of Criminal Cases in Sacramento

After an arrest, a Sacramento County criminal case may move through the following stages in the Sacramento Superior Court Criminal Division, although every timeline differs:

Arrest and Booking: Law enforcement detains you and processes your information at a local facility, such as the Sacramento County Main Jail.
Arraignment: This is your first official appearance before a judge. The court will formally address the charges, advise you of your rights, and ask you to enter a plea. The judge will also address bail and release conditions.
Bail Hearing: Our Sacramento criminal defense lawyer can advocate for release on your “own recognizance” (OR) or seek a bail reduction while the case is pending.
Pretrial Conferences and Discovery: Our legal team can exchange information with the prosecution through criminal discovery, review police reports, examine video footage, interview witnesses, and file appropriate pretrial motions. Many cases are resolved during this phase through negotiated plea agreements.
Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only): At a felony preliminary hearing, the prosecution must establish probable cause for the court to hold the case to answer for trial. If the judge finds that standard is met, the case proceeds toward trial.
Trial: If a resolution can’t be reached, your case goes before a jury of your peers. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We can challenge the prosecution’s narrative, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence supporting the defense.
Sentencing: If convicted, the court will impose penalties based on the offense, criminal history, and surrounding circumstances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Speaking to Police Without an Attorney: Many individuals believe they can explain away accusations. Statements made to law enforcement can later be used in the case.
Posting About the Case on Social Media: Social media posts, photos, and messages may become evidence in criminal proceedings.
Missing Court Dates: Failing to appear in court can result in additional charges and arrest warrants.
Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer: Early legal intervention can create more opportunities to review evidence and address upcoming court events.
Accepting a Plea Deal Too Quickly: Not every plea agreement benefits the accused. A defense attorney can evaluate the available options before a decision is made.

What Our Criminal Defense Team Does for You

Legal Knowledge and Experience: Chris Walsh is a former Chief Assistant District Attorney and former prosecutor who understands California criminal law and court procedures.
Independent Investigation: We can review police reports, examine evidence, interview witnesses, and identify weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
Protection of Constitutional Rights: We can evaluate unlawful searches, improper interrogations, or due-process concerns.
Negotiation Skills: We can assess the prosecution’s position and advise you on plea discussions, diversion programs, alternative sentencing, or other available resolutions.
Trial Representation: If your case proceeds to trial, preparation and courtroom advocacy matter. Chris Walsh has personally tried more than 100 jury trials.

At Walsh Law, we focus exclusively on criminal defense. We intentionally limit our caseload so our experienced legal team can provide dedicated attention throughout investigation, pretrial work, negotiations, and trial preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do After Being Arrested in Sacramento?

Stay calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and ask to speak with a lawyer before answering questions or signing documents. Make sure you understand your release conditions and next court date.

Can Your Team Get My Charges Dismissed?

It depends on the facts and evidence. We can review the prosecution’s case for weaknesses, procedural errors, or rights violations that may support a dismissal or another resolution.

What’s the Difference Between Probation & Parole?

Probation is court supervision that may be imposed instead of or alongside custody. Parole is supervised release after a person serves part of a state prison sentence.

Will I Go to Jail for a First Offense?

Not necessarily. The potential consequences depend on the charge, facts, criminal history, applicable law, and court decisions. A first offense should still be reviewed carefully because even a misdemeanor conviction can have lasting effects.

How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in California?

The timeline varies based on the charges, case complexity, court scheduling, discovery, motions, and whether the matter proceeds to trial. Your attorney can explain the next scheduled event and likely procedural steps.

What If I Was Falsely Accused?

Take the accusation seriously and avoid discussing the facts publicly. A defense attorney can review evidence, investigate inconsistencies, and prepare a response based on the circumstances of the case.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor?

Yes. Misdemeanor allegations can still involve jail, probation, fines, and consequences for employment, housing, and professional opportunities. A lawyer can evaluate the evidence and explain your options.

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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.

Discuss Your Matter With Our Sacramento Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you’re facing an arrest, charge, investigation, or upcoming court appearance, contact Walsh Law for a free consultation. We can identify the next step, the information to gather, and the questions to ask about representation.

We handle criminal-defense matters throughout Sacramento County and surrounding Northern California service areas. Our approach combines direct communication, personalized attention, and persistent advocacy from a team led by former prosecutor Chris Walsh.

Call (916) 610-3558 to schedule your free consultation with our criminal defense lawyers in Sacramento.

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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.