Serving Sacramento County and Beyond Drug 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.

Sacramento Drug Crime Attorney

Arrested On A Drug Charge In The Sacramento Area

A drug arrest can turn your life upside down in a single night. You may be worried about jail, your job, and what a criminal record could mean for your future. If your case is filed at Sacramento County Superior Court, you will be facing prosecutors who handle drug cases every day.

At Walsh Law, we focus exclusively on criminal defense. Our firm is led by Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney with more than 19 years of criminal law experience and over 100 jury trials. We represent good people who, on occasion, find themselves on the wrong side of the law and need a steady hand.

Contact our firm today at (916) 610-3558 to schedule a free 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 Drug Crimes in Sacramento

In California, drug offenses are primarily governed by the Health and Safety Code (HSC). The severity of the charge often depends on the type of substance, the quantity involved, and whether the state believes you intended to sell the drugs.

Possession of a Controlled Substance (HSC §11350 & §11377)

Simple possession for personal use is one of the most common charges. This includes "hard drugs" like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, as well as prescription medications obtained without a valid script (such as OxyContin or Xanax). While Proposition 47 reclassified many of these as misdemeanors, recent legislative shifts under Proposition 36 (2024/2025) have introduced "treatment-mandated felonies" for repeat offenders.

Possession for Sale (HSC §11351 & §11378)

If law enforcement finds evidence of "indicia of sale"—such as scales, large amounts of cash, or individual packaging—you may be charged with possession with the intent to sell. Unlike simple possession, these are strictly felony offenses and are generally ineligible for standard diversion programs.

Sale or Transportation of a Controlled Substance (HSC §11352 & §11379)

These charges involve the actual sale, furnishing, or moving of drugs for the purpose of distribution. Due to the high potential for prison time, especially in cases involving fentanyl or large-scale trafficking, having an experienced Sacramento drug crime lawyer is essential.

Manufacturing and Cultivation

This involves the production of controlled substances, such as operating a honey oil lab or large-scale unauthorized cannabis cultivation. These cases often involve environmental "aggravators" that can lead to enhanced sentencing.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in California

The penalties for a drug conviction vary wildly based on your criminal history and the specifics of the arrest.

Offense Type	Potential Jail/Prison Time	Maximum Fines
Simple Possession (Misdemeanor)	Up to 1 Year (County Jail)	$1,000
Possession for Sale (Felony)	2 to 4 Years (State Prison)	$20,000
Drug Trafficking/Sales (Felony)	3 to 9 Years (State Prison)	$20,000 - $500,000+
Manufacturing (Felony)	3 to 7 Years (State Prison)	$50,000

Note: Under 2026 guidelines, repeat offenders of "hard drug" possession may now face felony "wobbler" charges under the updated Proposition 36 framework.

Legal Defense to Drug Crimes

Just because drugs were found does not mean the prosecution has a "slam dunk" case. At Walsh Law, we meticulously review every detail of your arrest to identify weaknesses in the state’s case.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches. If Sacramento police searched your car, home, or person without a valid warrant or probable cause, the evidence they found may be suppressed and your case dismissed.

Lack of Knowledge or Control

To convict you of possession, the prosecutor must prove you knew the drug was there and knew it was a controlled substance. If the drugs belonged to someone else in a shared vehicle or residence, we can argue a lack of "constructive possession."

Entrapment

If law enforcement used overbearing or illegal tactics to pressure you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn't have committed, an entrapment defense may be applicable.

Valid Prescription

For charges involving painkillers or sedatives, proving you had a lawful prescription from a medical professional at the time of the arrest is a complete defense.

Drug Diversion Programs: A Path to Dismissal

In many cases, the best strategy is to move the case out of the criminal justice system and into a treatment-focused program.

PC 1000 (Pretrial Diversion): Typically for first-time offenders. If you complete a drug education program, the charges are dismissed without you ever having to enter a guilty plea.
Proposition 36 (Court-Ordered Treatment): Available for non-violent possession offenses. While it requires a plea, successful completion of the treatment program allows you to petition for the conviction to be expunged.

Drug Crime FAQs

Will I go to jail for my first drug offense in Sacramento?

Not necessarily. For simple possession, many first-time offenders qualify for diversion programs like PC 1000, which allow you to avoid jail time and keep your record clean.

What is a "treatment-mandated felony" under the new laws?

As of the 2024-2025 legal updates (Proposition 36), if you have two or more prior drug convictions, a third arrest for possession of "hard drugs" like fentanyl or meth can be charged as a felony that mandates treatment instead of just a misdemeanor.

Can a lawyer get my drug charges reduced?

Yes. A skilled attorney can often negotiate a "plea bargain" to reduce a felony (like possession for sale) to a misdemeanor (simple possession), significantly lessening the long-term impact on your life.

Do I have to let the police search my car if they pull me over?

You have the right to refuse a search. Unless the officer has a warrant, your consent, or "probable cause" (such as seeing drugs in plain view), they generally cannot search your vehicle. Always remain polite, but clearly state, "I do not consent to a search."

Why Choose Walsh Law

When your freedom and record are on the line, the lawyer you choose matters. Many firms handle a high volume of files and move cases along with minimal investigation. We take a different approach and deliberately limit our caseload so that every person we represent receives the dedicated attention their situation deserves.

Our firm is led by Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County and former deputy district attorney in Kings, Fresno, and Santa Clara counties. Over nearly two decades in criminal law, he has personally tried more than 100 jury trials, including high profile and complex cases such as homicides and other serious felonies. That experience means we understand what evidence persuades judges and juries and what tends to fall apart under scrutiny.

Because Chris spent years as a prosecutor, we know how the other side builds drug cases, evaluates offers, and prepares for trial. He was twice selected as Prosecutor of the Year in Fresno County and nominated for Trial Attorney of the Year in Santa Clara County. Today, we use that background to look at your charges from both angles and to identify weaknesses that might not be obvious at first glance.

Walsh Law focuses exclusively on criminal defense and nothing else. Our team is recognized in criminal law circles, including membership in Lawyers of Distinction in Criminal Law and as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. For someone seeking a drug crime lawyer in Sacramento, that focus translates into a defense team that works smart and hard, keeps its attention on the details that matter most, and presses on even when the case becomes difficult.

To discuss your situation confidentially with our team, call (916) 610-3558.

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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.

Reach Out For a Free Consultation

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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.