Sacramento Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Serious Criminal Allegations Require Serious Defense

Finding out you are under investigation or facing serious criminal charges that may involve federal law is overwhelming. If this is happening in the Sacramento area, you need clear answers and steady guidance, not scare tactics or empty promises. That is where Walsh Law comes in.

We focus exclusively on criminal defense and are led by Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney and homicide prosecutor with more than 19 years in criminal law. He has personally tried over 100 jury trials, including some of the most serious and complex cases in Northern California. We use that background every day to help people whose futures are on the line.

When you contact our firm, you reach a criminal defense team that understands how prosecutors think and how serious cases are built. We are available around the clock to speak with you, review what has happened so far, and discuss how we can help you move forward with a plan.

Call (916) 610-3558 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

What is a Federal Crime?

A federal crime is an offense that violates U.S. federal statutes or occurs on federal property. While most criminal cases (such as local thefts or DUIs) are handled in California state courts, federal cases are heard in U.S. District Courts.

A crime typically becomes "federal" under the following circumstances:

• Crossing State Lines: Activities involving interstate commerce, such as drug trafficking across borders or wire fraud using the internet.
• Federal Agencies: Crimes involving federal agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or the Postal Service.
• Federal Land: Crimes committed on federal property, including national parks, military bases, or federal courthouses.
• Specific Statutes: Violations of laws passed by Congress, such as civil rights violations, racketeering (RICO), or immigration offenses.

Common Types of Federal Crimes

The Eastern District of California, which includes Sacramento, handles a wide array of federal prosecutions. At Walsh Law, we defend clients against various charges, including:

White Collar Crimes

These are non-violent crimes usually committed for financial gain. They involve complex paper trails and digital evidence.

• Wire and Mail Fraud: Using electronic communications or the postal service to commit fraud.
• Health Care Fraud: Including Medicare and Medicaid fraud.
• Tax Evasion: Intentionally underreporting income or falsifying tax documents.
• Money Laundering: Attempting to make "dirty" money appear legitimate through financial transactions.

Federal Drug Offenses

While California has relaxed its laws on certain substances, federal law remains strict. Federal drug charges often involve large quantities and allegations of conspiracy.

• Drug Trafficking and Distribution: Large-scale manufacturing or transport of controlled substances like fentanyl, methamphetamine, or cocaine.
• Prescription Drug Fraud: Illegal distribution of opioids and other regulated medications.

Firearms and Weapons Charges

Federal authorities aggressively prosecute firearms violations, especially for individuals previously convicted of felonies.

• Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• Unlawful Sale or Manufacturing of Firearms

Cybercrimes and Sex Crimes

• Child Pornography: Possession, distribution, or receipt of prohibited material via the internet.
• Hacking and Identity Theft: Unauthorized access to computer systems or stealing personal data for financial gain.

Common Penalties

Federal sentencing is notoriously harsh. Unlike state court, where "good time" credits can significantly reduce a sentence, federal inmates must serve at least 85% of their time.

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines

Judges use a complex point system known as the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. This system calculates a "base offense level" and adjusts it based on:

• The Severity of the Crime: (e.g., the amount of money stolen or the weight of drugs involved).
• Criminal History: Your past record heavily influences the "zone" of punishment.
• Enhancements: Factors like using a weapon or playing a leadership role in a conspiracy can add years to a sentence.

Mandatory Minimums

Many federal drug and firearm offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences. This means a judge is legally barred from sentencing you to anything less than 5, 10, or 20 years, regardless of mitigating circumstances.

What to Expect During a Federal Investigation

A federal case rarely begins with an arrest. Often, it starts months or years earlier with an investigation by the FBI, DEA, ATF, or HSI.

• The "Target Letter": You may receive a letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office informing you that you are a "target" of a grand jury investigation.
• Search Warrants: Federal agents may arrive at your home or office with a warrant to seize computers, phones, and documents.
• Grand Jury Indictment: In the federal system, a grand jury must review the evidence and decide if there is probable cause to file formal charges (an indictment).
• Proffers and Interviews: Agents may try to "talk" to you. Never speak to federal agents without a lawyer present. Anything you say can—and will—be used to build a case against you or to charge you with "making false statements" (18 U.S.C. § 1001).

FAQs About Federal Charges

Can I be charged in both state and federal court for the same crime?

Yes. Under the "dual sovereignty" doctrine, both the state of California and the federal government can prosecute you for the same act without violating Double Jeopardy.

What is the difference between a "Target" and a "Subject" of an investigation?

A "target" is someone the prosecutor believes has committed a crime and is likely to be indicted. A "subject" is someone whose conduct is within the scope of the investigation but may not yet be the primary focus.

Are there "plea bargains" in federal court?

Yes, most federal cases end in plea agreements. However, federal plea bargaining is highly technical and revolves around "stipulating" to certain facts that will influence your sentencing guideline score.

Why Walsh Law For Serious Charges

When you are looking for a federal criminal defense attorney, you are not just shopping for a name. You are deciding who will stand between you and the government. Our firm is built for that responsibility. Chris Walsh spent years on the other side as a Chief Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County and as a deputy district attorney in Kings, Fresno, and Santa Clara counties.

That experience matters. It means we have seen how serious cases are investigated, filed, and tried from the inside. We know how charging decisions are made, what details prosecutors look for, and where weaknesses often hide in complex investigations. We use that knowledge to anticipate strategy, challenge assumptions, and look for opportunities that may not be obvious from the outside.

Our team has handled high-profile and difficult cases, including cold case murders, homicide matters, and serious sexual assault allegations. These are the kinds of cases that involve extensive discovery, expert witnesses, and sensitive facts. Working through those challenges has taught us how to manage large volumes of information, identify what matters most to a jury, and present complicated issues in a clear and compelling way.

We are not a high-volume operation. We deliberately accept a limited number of cases so we can devote the necessary time and attention to each person we represent. Clients work directly with our criminal defense team and benefit from what we describe as white-glove service combined with a blue-collar attitude. You receive careful, detailed representation and straightforward, no-nonsense communication about your situation.

Chris has been twice selected as Prosecutor of the Year in Fresno County and was nominated for Trial Attorney of the Year in Santa Clara County. He is a member of Lawyers of Distinction in Criminal Law and has been recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. These honors reflect years spent in courtrooms earning respect from judges, juries, and opposing counsel. For clients facing serious prosecution, that kind of background can be an important asset.

Call (916) 610-3558 to speak with our team confidentially.