Serving Sacramento County and Beyond Violent 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 Violent Crime Attorney

A Former Homicide Prosecutor Leads Your Defense

Being arrested or investigated for a violent offense can turn your life upside down. Depending on the allegation, you may face felony exposure, custody concerns, court appearances, and a criminal record that can affect employment and personal relationships.

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 who has over 19 years of experience and has personally tried more than 100 jury trials. We use that background to evaluate the accusation, prosecution theory, witness accounts, evidence, and available defenses from the outset.

Chris previously served as a deputy district attorney in Kings, Fresno, and Santa Clara counties, and he was twice selected as Prosecutor of the Year in Fresno County. He has also handled complex homicide and other serious criminal matters. We intentionally limit our caseload so clients receive focused attention from our experienced criminal defense team.

If you or a loved one is facing violent crime charges in Sacramento, you don’t have to face the system alone. Contact us at (916) 610-3558 for a confidential consultation about the accusation, your options, and next steps.

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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 Violent Crimes in California

California law addresses violent-crime allegations under various sections of the California Penal Code. These offenses can range from misdemeanors to serious felony charges, and the classification and potential consequences depend on the specific allegation.

Assault and Battery (PC 240 & 242)

While often used interchangeably, these are distinct offenses. Under PC 240, assault involves an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on another person. Battery, under PC 242, involves the willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon another person. Allegations involving a weapon or an injury can lead to additional or more serious charges, including assault with a deadly weapon under PC 245.

Robbery and Carjacking (PC 211 & 215)

Robbery involves taking property from another person by force or fear. Carjacking is a specific offense involving the taking of a motor vehicle by force or fear. Both allegations require careful analysis of the alleged force, fear, intent, identity, and evidence supporting the prosecution’s account.

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

Charges involving a spouse, cohabitant, or co-parent can involve very different factual accounts from the people involved. The relationship, alleged injuries, statements, and other evidence can all affect how a domestic violence case is charged and defended.

Homicide and Manslaughter (PC 187 & 192)

These are among the most serious charges a person can face. Homicide and manslaughter allegations can involve different mental-state requirements and factual circumstances, making a detailed review of the prosecution evidence essential. Chris Walsh has handled homicide matters and other complex criminal cases as a prosecutor.

Call (916) 610-3558 to schedule a confidential consultation with our violent crime lawyer in Sacramento.

Potential Penalties for Violent Charges

The consequences of a conviction in Sacramento depend on the charged offense, the alleged conduct, injury allegations, prior convictions, and applicable California sentencing provisions. Sacramento County felony and misdemeanor criminal matters are handled through the Sacramento Superior Court Criminal Division.

Case Factor	Potential Effect
Charged Offense	Whether an allegation is charged as a misdemeanor or felony affects the available sentencing range and other consequences.
Alleged Injury or Conduct	Injury allegations and sentencing enhancements can affect the prosecution’s charging theory and potential penalties.
Prior Criminal Record	Prior convictions can affect sentencing and strike-related analysis under California law.
Case Resolution	The consequences can differ based on the evidence, the charges sustained, and whether the case resolves through a plea or trial.

Beyond custody or fines, a conviction can affect other areas of life:

Criminal Record: A conviction can appear in background checks and affect employment opportunities.
Professional Opportunities: Certain convictions can create obstacles involving professional licenses or work requirements.

Legal Defenses to Violent Crimes

Just because you’ve been charged doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. At Walsh Law, we review the prosecution evidence, examine the details of each case, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the facts.

Self-Defense or Defense of Others

Depending on the circumstances, self-defense or defense of another person may be at issue. California law considers whether the person reasonably believed an imminent threat existed and whether the force used in response was reasonable under the circumstances.

False or Inconsistent Allegations

In cases involving domestic violence or assault, witness accounts can conflict or change over time. We examine statements, the surrounding circumstances, and inconsistencies that may bear on the reliability of the allegation.

Mistaken Identity

Identification can be a central issue when a witness did not clearly see what happened or when accounts differ. We assess identification procedures, witness observations, and other evidence that may support or undermine the prosecution’s theory.

Evidence and Statements

Searches, interrogations, witness accounts, physical evidence, and digital evidence can each require separate legal and factual analysis. When the circumstances support it, we challenge evidence obtained or presented in violation of applicable legal rules.

Violent Crime Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Serious & Violent Felony?

California law lists serious felonies and violent felonies in separate Penal Code provisions. A charge can fall within one or both classifications, and the effect on sentencing or strike-related analysis depends on the specific offense and a person’s prior record.

Can a Violent Crime Charge Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor?

Some offenses may be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. Whether a reduction or lower-level resolution is available depends on the statute, the alleged facts, the evidence, the person’s record, and the posture of the case.

What Is a Great Bodily Injury Allegation?

A great bodily injury allegation asserts that someone suffered a significant or substantial physical injury. Whether an enhancement applies and how it could affect sentencing depends on the charged offense, the evidence, and the applicable Penal Code provisions.

How Does a Prior Record Affect a Violent Crime Case?

A prior record can affect charging decisions, sentencing exposure, and strike-related analysis. The impact depends on the prior convictions, the current allegation, and the law that applies to the particular case.

Personalized Criminal Defense Representation

Our approach combines white-glove service with a blue-collar attitude. We review discovery carefully, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory, and present the facts persuasively when a case goes before a jury. We 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 and honest insight into your risks and options.

For a confidential consultation about violent crime defense in Sacramento, 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.