Serving Sacramento County and Beyond Felonies

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 Felony Defense Attorney

Facing a Felony Charge? Put Former-Prosecutor Experience on Your Side

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’s in the hands of people you’ve never met.

At Walsh Law, we focus exclusively on criminal defense. Our team is led by Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney and homicide prosecutor with over 19 years of legal experience and more than 100 personally tried jury trials. We review the charging allegations, arrest circumstances, prosecution evidence, prior record, release conditions, and upcoming court dates to identify the issues that require immediate attention.

If you or someone you care about is facing felony charges in the Sacramento area, we can explain the current stage of the case and prepare for what comes next. Contact us today at (916) 610-3558.

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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.

Felonies, Misdemeanors, and Wobbler Offenses in California

California classifies criminal offenses according to the alleged conduct and the punishment authorized by statute. That classification can affect court procedure, custody exposure, sentencing options, and consequences after the case.

The three principal classifications are:

Misdemeanors: These are generally less serious offenses, such as petty theft or public intoxication. A misdemeanor is usually punishable by no more than one year in county jail, although the maximum sentence and fine depend on the offense.
Felonies: These are more serious charges that may carry state prison or county jail exposure. The authorized sentence depends on the charged statute, enhancements, prior convictions, and other case-specific factors.
Wobblers: Some California offenses are “wobblers,” meaning they may be treated as either felonies or misdemeanors. The charge, facts, prior record, and applicable law affect whether misdemeanor treatment may be available.

Felony Charges We Defend

The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes many categories of felony charges. At Walsh Law, we defend clients against serious allegations, including the following representative examples:

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, grand theft, and arson.
DUI Felonies: Charges involving specified prior convictions or an allegation that impaired driving caused serious injury.
Domestic Violence: Allegations such as corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant under Penal Code Section 273.5.

The category alone doesn’t determine how a case ends. We examine the required legal elements, the supporting evidence, and the circumstances that may affect how the offense is classified.

Felony Sentencing in California

California uses a “triad” sentencing system for many felonies, providing a lower, middle, and upper prison term. For example, a statute might authorize terms of two, three, or four years. The available sentence depends on the statute, applicable sentencing rules, aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and any enhancements or qualifying prior convictions.

California’s Three Strikes Law

California’s Three Strikes Law can increase sentencing exposure when a person has qualifying prior serious or violent felony convictions. Its application depends on the prior conviction, the current charge, and statutory exceptions.

Second Strike: One qualifying prior conviction can increase the sentence imposed for a new felony.
Third Strike: Two qualifying prior convictions can expose a person to a sentence of 25 years to life when the current offense and prior record satisfy the governing requirements.

Consequences Beyond Sentencing

A felony conviction can have effects beyond incarceration, probation, or fines. Depending on the conviction and the person’s circumstances, it may affect employment, housing, professional licensing, firearm possession, family responsibilities, or immigration status. These consequences require an individual review rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.

Former-Prosecutor Insight for Felony Defense

Chris Walsh served as Chief Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County and previously as a deputy district attorney in Kings, Fresno, and Santa Clara counties. He handled serious criminal matters, including homicide cases, and has personally tried more than 100 jury trials during over 19 years of legal practice.

That background informs how we review prosecution evidence, evaluate witness credibility, and identify gaps between an allegation and the elements the government must prove. A defense strategy may change as additional evidence, court rulings, or witness information emerges, so we prepare each case with both negotiation and trial in mind.

Chris was twice selected as Prosecutor of the Year in Fresno County and was nominated for Trial Attorney of the Year in Santa Clara County. He has been recognized by Lawyers of Distinction in Criminal Law and as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

We intentionally limit the number of cases we accept. This allows our legal team to provide direct communication and build a strategy around the specific charge, evidence, prior-record issues, and client priorities. It’s white-glove service delivered with a straightforward, blue-collar attitude.

Discuss Your Felony Charge With Our Defense Team

Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney, has over 19 years of legal experience and has personally tried more than 100 jury trials. A free case evaluation can help you understand the allegations, immediate court dates, and information a lawyer may need to review. We’re available 24/7 to speak with people facing felony charges and their family members.

Call (916) 610-3558 or contact us to speak with our Sacramento felony defense attorney about your case.

The Felony Court Process in Sacramento

The Sacramento Superior Court Criminal Division handles felony cases filed on behalf of the State of California in Sacramento County. Although the sequence can vary, a case may involve the following stages:

Arrest and Booking

Law enforcement officers may arrest a person based on probable cause or an arrest warrant. After arrest, the defendant is booked into jail.

Arraignment

At the arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the filed charges and enters a plea. Custody, bail, or other release conditions may also be addressed.

Preliminary Hearing

During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors must present enough evidence to establish probable cause for the felony charges to proceed. This isn’t a trial, and the prosecution’s burden is lower than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Pretrial Motions

Defense attorneys may file motions to:

Suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
Challenge the admissibility of statements or testimony
Address defects in the charges
Seek dismissal of unsupported portions of the case

Plea Negotiations

Some felony cases are resolved through negotiated plea agreements that may reduce charges or limit sentencing exposure. Whether negotiation is appropriate depends on the evidence, applicable law, available terms, and the client’s goals.

Trial

If no agreement is reached, the case may proceed to trial, where prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. At each stage, we challenge weak evidence and prepare for trial when necessary.

The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Role

Felony charges in Sacramento County are prosecuted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. The criminal case is brought by the People of the State of California, so a reporting witness generally doesn’t control whether the prosecution continues.

We don’t rely on assumptions about local filing or negotiation practices. We analyze the actual charging documents, police reports, witness accounts, physical or digital evidence, and legal elements. Chris Walsh’s former-prosecutor perspective helps us evaluate how the prosecution may organize its case and where its theory may be vulnerable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Felony Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor?

It can when California law permits misdemeanor treatment. Under Penal Code Section 17(b), certain wobbler offenses may be reduced in qualifying circumstances, but eligibility and timing depend on the offense, case facts, prior record, and court’s authority.

Will a First-Time Felony Lead to State Prison?

Not necessarily. The possible sentence depends on the charge, statutory restrictions, prior record, aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and available sentencing alternatives. First-time status alone doesn’t determine whether probation, diversion, county jail, or state prison may apply.

Do I Need a Lawyer If I’m Innocent?

Yes. Innocence doesn’t prevent charges from being filed or eliminate the need to challenge unreliable evidence. Our attorneys examine witness statements, police procedures, physical evidence, and inconsistencies to determine how to present the defense.

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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

Protect Your Future

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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.