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 ArrestDon’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 ArraignmentWalsh 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.
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Step 3: Pre-Trial HearingsWe’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 Felony Defense Attorney
Serious Charges Need Serious Criminal Defense
Facing a felony charge can turn your life upside down. You may be worried about prison, your job, and how this will affect your family. In a moment, your future can feel like it is in the hands of people you have never met.
At Walsh Law, we focus our practice on defending people accused of crimes. Our founding attorney, Chris Walsh, is a former Chief Assistant District Attorney and former homicide prosecutor who has spent more than 19 years in criminal courtrooms. He has personally tried over 100 jury trials, and our team draws on that background every day when we stand between our clients and a felony conviction.
If you or someone you care about is facing felony charges in the Sacramento area, you do not have to go through this alone. We are here to step in, take control of the legal side, and give you clear, direct guidance about what comes next.
Contact us today at (916) 610-3558 to request a free case evaluation.
Values You Can Relate To
Our Client Testimonials
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in California?
In California, crimes are categorized by their severity, and the classification determines where you serve your time and the long-term impact on your civil liberties.
- Misdemeanors: These are considered less serious offenses, such as petty theft or public intoxication. The maximum penalty is typically one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
- Felonies: These represent the most serious crimes in the state. A felony conviction can result in state prison sentences ranging from 16 months to life without parole. Fines often exceed $10,000, and you may lose the right to own a firearm or vote while incarcerated.
- Wobblers: Many California offenses are "wobblers," meaning the prosecutor has the discretion to charge them as either a felony or a misdemeanor based on the facts of the case and your prior criminal history. An experienced Sacramento felony lawyer can often negotiate to have a "wobbler" reduced to a misdemeanor.
Common Types of Felony Offenses
The Sacramento District Attorney’s office prosecutes a wide range of felony charges. At Walsh Law, we represent clients facing various serious allegations, including:
- Violent Crimes: Murder, voluntary manslaughter, mayhem, and robbery.
- Sex Crimes: Rape, lewd acts with a minor, and sexual assault.
- Drug Crimes: Possession of controlled substances for sale, drug manufacturing, and large-scale trafficking.
- Property Crimes: First-degree burglary (residential), grand theft (property valued over $950), and arson.
- DUI Felonies: A fourth DUI within ten years or a DUI causing "great bodily injury" to another person.
- Domestic Violence: Corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant (Penal Code 273.5) is frequently charged as a felony if there is significant physical harm.
Felony Penalties in California
California utilizes a "triad" sentencing system for most felonies, providing a low, middle, and high term of imprisonment. For example, a crime might carry a sentence of 2, 3, or 4 years. The judge decides which term is appropriate based on aggravating or mitigating factors.
The Three Strikes Law
California’s "Three Strikes" law significantly enhances penalties for repeat offenders:
- Second Strike: If you have one prior "serious" or "violent" felony conviction, the sentence for any new felony is doubled.
- Third Strike: If you have two prior serious or violent felony convictions, a third felony conviction can result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life.
Collateral Consequences
Beyond prison, a felony conviction carries "invisible" penalties:
- Loss of Firearm Rights: Lifetime ban on owning or possessing firearms.
- Professional Licensing: Loss of licenses for nursing, teaching, law, or real estate.
- Immigration Status: Non-citizens may face mandatory deportation or permanent inadmissibility.
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.
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.
