1. Walsh Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutorial experience including homicide prosecutor background
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, white collar crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Our Elk Grove criminal defense lawyers are prepared to provide compassionate support and aggressive, results-driven legal advocacy. With former prosecutorial experience, the team at Walsh Law understands how both sides approach criminal cases and can leverage that knowledge to defend clients effectively. 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. They evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge weak evidence and inconsistencies, and do due diligence to get the charges against you reduced or dropped. The 5-Star Rated Oregon Super Lawyers have earned their reputation as some of the personal injury lawyers and criminal defense attorneys in Salem, Bend, Medford, Hillsboro, and Portland.
Location: Serves Elk Grove and Sacramento County, California
Contact: (916) 610-3558 | https://www.walshcriminaldefense.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
2. Couzens Criminal Defense
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 16 years prosecutorial experience as former Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors, sex crimes, theft
Background: When facing criminal charges in Elk Grove, you need more than just any attorney, you need a strategic defender who understands both sides of the courtroom. Attorney Ryan J. Couzens brings 16 years of prosecutorial experience as a former Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, now exclusively dedicated to protecting your rights and freedom. From pre-filing intervention to jury trials, the firm provides aggressive, informed defense strategies backed by insider knowledge of how prosecutors build their cases. As an Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, he oversaw felony trial teams, the Case Charging Unit, and the Major Crimes Unit, gaining invaluable insight into prosecution strategies. Attorney Couzens completed a federal clerkship in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California and received the American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Law at McGeorge School of Law. He has actively contributed to legal reform, authoring Penal Code sections 13370 (Justice Data Accountability and Transparency Act) and 741 (requiring race-blind charging).
Location: Serves Elk Grove and Sacramento County, California
Contact: (916) 603-2000 | https://www.couzenslaw.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Abrate & Olsen Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Deputy District Attorney experience
Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, white collar crimes
Background: Do you need an attorney for legal representation in the city of Elk Grove? The experienced lawyers specialize in estate planning, business formation, criminal defense and commercial debt collection legal services. From the moment you first contact the law office, you can rest assured that your legal issues are their professional and personal priority. They take the time to understand your situation, answer any questions, and develop a customized legal strategy to achieve results for you. Attorneys Michael Abrate and Daniel Olsen have developed proven legal strategies for many clients. At the Abrate & Olsen Law Group, they understand that having an issue with the criminal justice system can be a matter of circumstance, not your character. The way to protect your rights and freedom is to act quickly and contact recognized Criminal Defense Attorneys. The lawyers are former Deputy District Attorneys with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office who know the legal system and strategies to fight for your rights and freedom.
Location: Elk Grove (Sacramento), California
Contact: Criminal Court: (916) 874-5744 | https://www.abrateolsenlaw.com/
Consultation: Personal consultation available
4. Law Offices of Nelson R. Boylan (Bell & Boylan)
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 50+ years combined practice experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, felonies, misdemeanors, civil litigation
Background: Nelson R. Boylan has practiced law since 1977, opening a solo law office that year. Mr. Boylan served as General Counsel to a California aerospace corporation during the ’80s and ’90s before returning to private practice. An experienced trial attorney, he has handled both criminal and civil matters for over 30 years. With combined practice of over 50 years, Bell & Boylan Lawyers are well experienced in all aspects of both Criminal cases and Civil litigation matters in California. A Criminal Defense practice is about serving the interests of individuals and families caught up in a situation which is troublesome and frightening. Similarly, Civil litigation, either for Plaintiffs or Defendants is about cost efficient results. The firm will not let your case become a “black hole” of useless or ineffective expense. Knowledge, experience and resolve are what is needed to deal with matters in the criminal or civil courts. Available 24/7 phone reception, affordable reasonable fees with payment plans, able experienced capable representation, and aggressive immediate action to protect you.
Location: 9245 Laguna Springs Dr., Suite 200, Elk Grove (Sacramento), CA 95758
Contact: Sacramento: (916) 440-0800 | Fresno: (559) 224-3600 | Toll Free: (877) 861-3636 | https://www.defenderz.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. The Chastaine Law Office
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 34+ years experience, recognized as one of California’s criminal defense firms
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, white collar crimes, sex crimes
Background: Founded by Michael Chastaine in 2007, The Chastaine Law Office has established a reputation as being one of California’s criminal defense firms, helping to protect the rights of clients charged with criminal misconduct throughout communities in Sacramento and surrounding counties. Consistently recognized by its peers as one of the practitioners in its field, The Chastaine Law office was recently named the Criminal Defense Law Firm in Northern California by US Business News. Founder and lead attorney Michael Chastaine, with over 34 years of criminal defense experience, has repeatedly been selected to the Lawyers in America. The firm provides quality legal representation to clients facing both criminal and non-criminal matters throughout California. The Chastaine Law Office serves Elk Grove and surrounding Sacramento County areas with experienced criminal defense representation.
Location: Sacramento, California (serves Elk Grove)
Contact: Available through firm website | https://www.chastainelawoffice.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in California
Felony Classifications
California uses a determinate sentencing system for most felonies with three possible terms (low, middle, high):
Serious Felonies: Include murder, voluntary manslaughter, mayhem, rape, and robbery. These trigger Three Strikes enhancements.
Violent Felonies: Defined under Penal Code 667.5(c), including murder, voluntary manslaughter, mayhem, rape, and certain other offenses.
Standard Felonies: Carry sentences ranging from 16 months to life depending on the specific offense. Most felonies have low, middle, and high terms.
Wobblers: Offenses that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors at prosecutor discretion based on circumstances and defendant’s history. Common wobblers include assault with a deadly weapon, burglary (commercial), and grand theft.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum 6 months county jail and $1,000 fine.
Gross Misdemeanor: Maximum 364 days county jail and $1,000 fine. Examples include DUI (first offense), domestic battery, and petty theft with prior.
Infraction: Non-criminal offense with fine only, no jail. Examples include most traffic violations.
Proposition 47 (2014)
Reduced certain non-violent felonies to misdemeanors, including simple drug possession and theft under $950.
Expungement (Penal Code 1203.4)
California allows expungement of most convictions after successful completion of probation. The conviction is set aside and the case is dismissed. Expungement does not restore firearm rights and must be disclosed in certain circumstances (professional licensing, public office applications).
DUI Laws
California DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .01% under 21). First offense carries 3-5 years informal probation, up to 6 months jail (48-hour minimum), $390-$1,000 fine plus penalty assessments, 6-month license suspension, and DUI school. Second offense within 10 years carries 96 hours to 1 year jail, $390-$1,000 fine, 2-year license suspension, and 18-30 month DUI school. Third offense within 10 years carries 120 days to 1 year jail, $390-$1,000 fine, 3-year license revocation, and 30-month DUI school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Elk Grove?
Criminal cases in Elk Grove are handled by the Sacramento County Superior Court system. Misdemeanor and felony arraignments occur at the Gordon D. Schaber Sacramento County Courthouse at 720 9th Street in Sacramento. The courthouse handles both civil and criminal matters. Criminal court hours are typically 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. Having an Elk Grove criminal defense attorney familiar with Sacramento County courts provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is a “wobbler” offense in California?
In California, a “wobbler” is a crime that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history. The prosecutor has discretion in how to charge wobblers. Common wobblers include assault with a deadly weapon, commercial burglary, grand theft, and certain drug offenses. Even after a felony conviction, a wobbler can sometimes be reduced to a misdemeanor at sentencing or upon successful completion of probation. An Elk Grove criminal defense attorney can argue for misdemeanor treatment in wobbler cases.
What are the penalties for drug possession in California?
California reformed drug laws significantly under Proposition 47 (2014). Simple possession of controlled substances for personal use (Health & Safety Code 11350) is now a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year county jail. Possession of marijuana (1 oz or less) is legal for adults 21+. Possession for sale and trafficking remain felonies with enhanced penalties. Drug diversion programs (Proposition 36, PC 1000) may be available for eligible offenders. An Elk Grove criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility for diversion programs and alternative sentencing.
What happens if I am charged with DUI in Sacramento County?
A DUI charge in Sacramento County carries serious consequences. First offense carries 3-5 years informal probation, up to 6 months jail (48-hour minimum), $390-$1,000 fine plus penalty assessments (total often exceeds $2,000), 6-month license suspension (restricted license may be available after 30 days with IID), and 3-9 month DUI school. Enhanced penalties apply for BAC of .15% or higher, refusal, accident, or child in vehicle. You have only 10 days from arrest to request a DMV hearing to protect your driving privileges. An Elk Grove criminal defense attorney can handle both the DMV hearing and criminal court case.
Can I get my California criminal record expunged?
California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 for most convictions after successful completion of probation. To qualify, you must have completed probation (or obtained early termination), not be currently charged with or serving a sentence for another offense, and have fulfilled all conditions of probation. The effect of expungement is that the conviction is set aside and the case is dismissed. However, expungement does not restore firearm rights, does not seal the record from view, and must be disclosed in certain circumstances. Certain offenses (sex offenses requiring registration, some violent felonies) are not eligible. An Elk Grove criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the petition.