Sacramento Violent Crime Attorney

Serious Charges Demand A Serious Defense

Being arrested or investigated for a violent offense can turn your life upside down. You may be facing the possibility of years in prison, a strike on your record, and a permanent felony that follows you everywhere. In this moment, you need clear information and a seasoned legal team on your side.

At Walsh Law, we focus exclusively on criminal defense and regularly handle high-stakes cases. Our firm is led by attorney Chris Walsh, a former Chief Assistant District Attorney and homicide prosecutor with more than 19 years of experience and over 100 jury trials. We use that background to guide people through some of the most difficult situations of their lives.

If you or a loved one is facing violent crime charges in Sacramento, you do not have to face the system alone. We are ready to step in quickly, explain your options, and begin protecting your future. Call us at (916) 610-3558 to talk confidentially with our team.

Common Types of Violent Crimes in California

California law classifies "violent crimes" under various sections of the Penal Code (PC). These offenses range from misdemeanors to high-level felonies.

Assault and Battery (PC 240 & 242)

While often used interchangeably, these are distinct. Assault is an attempt to use force or violence, while battery is the actual use of force. If a weapon is involved or if "great bodily injury" (GBI) occurs, these can be elevated to Assault with a Deadly Weapon (PC 245).

Robbery and Carjacking (PC 211 & 215)

Robbery involves taking property from another person by force or fear. Carjacking is a specific form of robbery involving a motor vehicle. Both are considered "violent felonies" and count as strikes under California law.

Domestic Violence (PC 273.5 & 243(e)(1))

Charges involving a spouse, cohabitant, or co-parent are prosecuted with extreme vigor in Sacramento. These cases often involve protective orders that can immediately bar you from your own home.

Homicide and Manslaughter (PC 187 & 192)

The most serious charges a person can face. From first-degree premeditated murder to involuntary manslaughter involving negligence, these cases require an exhaustive forensic defense.

Potential Penalties for Violent Charges

The consequences of a conviction in Sacramento are tiered based on the severity of the act and the defendant's prior criminal history.

Beyond incarceration, a conviction can lead to:

• Loss of Firearm Rights: Lifetime bans on owning or possessing firearms.
• Employment Barriers: Difficulty passing background checks for professional licenses.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, many violent crimes are "aggravated felonies" that trigger mandatory deportation.

Legal Defenses to Violent Crimes

Just because you have been charged does not mean you will be convicted. At Walsh Law, we analyze every shred of evidence to build a robust defense strategy.

Self-Defense or Defense of Others

California law (PC 197) allows you to use reasonable force to protect yourself or another person if you have a reasonable belief that you are in imminent danger of bodily injury. We work to prove that your actions were a necessary response to a threat.

False Accusations

In cases of domestic violence or assault, it is not uncommon for an "accuser" to fabricate details due to anger, jealousy, or a desire for leverage in child custody battles. We use digital forensics and witness interviews to uncover the truth.

Mistaken Identity

Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable. We utilize experts to challenge the validity of police lineups and identification procedures, especially in high-stress situations where visibility may have been poor.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

If Sacramento police conducted a search without a warrant or failed to read your Miranda rights during a custodial interrogation, we can file a Motion to Suppress evidence. If the evidence is thrown out, the prosecution's case often collapses.

Violent Crime FAQs

What is the difference between a "serious" and a "violent" felony?

In California, all "violent" felonies (like murder or robbery) are "serious," but not all "serious" felonies are "violent." Both categories trigger "strike" enhancements, but violent felonies generally require you to serve 85% of your sentence before being eligible for parole.

Can a violent crime charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?

Yes. Many charges, like simple battery or certain domestic violence offenses, are "wobblers." This means a skilled lawyer can negotiate with the Sacramento District Attorney to have the charge filed as—or reduced to—a misdemeanor.

What is a "Great Bodily Injury" (GBI) enhancement?

Under PC 12022.7, if a victim suffers a significant or substantial physical injury, the prosecutor can add an enhancement that adds 3 to 6 years of additional prison time to your base sentence.

Does the "Three Strikes" law still apply in 2026?

Yes. While there have been reforms (such as Proposition 36), the Three Strikes law remains a powerful tool for prosecutors. A third strike for a violent felony still carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life.

Why Our Firm Handles Violent Charges

When your freedom is on the line, who stands next to you in court matters. Violent crime cases often turn on complex evidence, aggressive prosecution tactics, and how a jury reacts to the story presented. You need a violent crime defense lawyer Sacramento defendants can rely on to understand all sides of that process.

Chris Walsh spent years inside the prosecutor’s office, including serving as Chief Assistant District Attorney in Nevada County and working as a deputy district attorney in Kings, Fresno, and Santa Clara counties. He was twice selected as Prosecutor of the Year in Fresno County and was nominated for Trial Attorney of the Year in Santa Clara County. That history means we know how serious cases are investigated, charged, and taken to trial.

Our firm does not try to handle every legal problem. We were built for criminal defense and have handled many high-profile and complex matters, including homicide, cold case murders, and other serious violent felonies. This experience gives us a clear view of what is at stake and what it takes to fight back when the accusations are severe.

We intentionally limit the number of cases we accept so we can dig deeply into each file. That lets us review discovery carefully, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory, and design a strategy tailored to the specific facts and the courtroom where your case will be heard. Our approach combines white-glove service with a blue-collar attitude, meaning we keep standards high, talk straight, and are prepared to contest a case as far as necessary.

When you hire us, you can expect direct access to the attorney leading your case, honest insight into your risks and options, and a legal team that takes pride in fighting for people who find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Call (916) 610-3558 to speak with our team in a confidential consultation.