Sacramento Felony Crime Lawyer
Former Prosecutor. 20-Plus Years in Criminal Law. Fighting for Sacramento Clients.
Facing felony charges puts your personal, professional, and social life at risk. Felonies are among the most serious criminal charges you can face in Sacramento, and the consequences include long-term imprisonment, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. They can follow you long after any sentence is served.
We know how the other side builds its cases because Mathew Martinez spent years as a prosecutor doing exactly that. He brings that insider perspective to every defense, using it to examine the legality of your arrest, scrutinize the evidence, and find weaknesses in law enforcement procedures. With over 20 years in criminal law, he handles both negotiations with prosecutors and trial representation, whatever your case demands.
Building a strong defense means understanding every stage of a felony case, from preliminary hearings through trial. That means reviewing how the evidence was gathered, whether your rights were respected, and whether any grounds exist for suppression or dismissal. The goal is to protect your rights and pursue the best available outcome from the first consultation forward.
Request a free initial consultation with our Sacramento felony attorney at Law Office of Mathew Martinez by calling (916) 318-5142. You can also reach us using our online contact form. Hablamos español.
Understanding California Felonies & Their Impact
In California, a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment in state prison or, for certain offenses, in county jail. Felonies are more serious than misdemeanors and infractions and cover a wide range of offenses that vary in nature and severity. Courts typically classify a crime as a felony based on its potential to cause significant harm and its broader impact on the public.
Examples of felonies include but are not limited to:
- Arson: Malicious burning of property, including buildings and vehicles.
- Burglary: Unlawful entry into a building, intending to commit theft or another crime.
- Robbery: Taking property from someone through force or fear.
- Kidnapping: Illegally taking a person against their will to another location.
- Drug Trafficking: Manufacturing, distributing, or delivering illegal controlled substances.
- Fraud & Embezzlement: Deceptive acts resulting in financial gain at the expense of others.
- Rape: Non-consensual sexual intercourse committed through force, threat, or intimidation.
- Sexual Assault: A wide range of unwanted sexual contact or behavior.
- Manslaughter: Unlawfully killing another without prior intent, divided into voluntary and involuntary acts.
- Murder: Unlawfully killing another with malice aforethought, divided into first-degree and second-degree offenses.
- Felony DUI: DUI involving bodily injury to another, a fourth DUI with three or more prior DUI convictions within the past 10 years, or a prior felony DUI conviction.
- Aggravated Assault: Typically charged when causing serious bodily injury or when committed with a deadly weapon.
The classification of a crime as a felony also depends on the circumstances of the offense, including aggravating factors such as weapon use or intent to cause significant harm. Understanding the specific charges and potential defenses is essential for anyone accused of a felony, which is why qualified legal counsel matters from the very start.
Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Sacramento
A felony conviction can affect a person’s life far beyond time served or fines paid. In Sacramento, anyone convicted of a felony may lose important civil rights. Those incarcerated in state prison lose the right to vote while imprisoned, though California law automatically restores voting rights upon release. Felony convictions can also affect jury eligibility and result in a lifetime ban on possessing firearms under both California and federal law. These consequences can disrupt personal and professional growth for years, sometimes long after completing a sentence or parole. Felony convictions appear on criminal background checks that employers and landlords commonly review, limiting job opportunities and housing access in Sacramento’s competitive markets.
Immigration consequences carry particular weight in Sacramento’s diverse community. Non-citizens convicted of certain felonies may face deportation or lose eligibility for legal status adjustments, regardless of how long they have lived in the United States. Because we practice immigration law alongside criminal defense, we can identify and address those risks as part of your defense strategy, not as an afterthought. We also handle professional license matters, which matters when a felony conviction triggers automatic revocation in fields such as education, healthcare, or transportation. A felony defense, properly handled, is about more than the courtroom verdict.
What Sets Us Apart
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Free ConsultationsWe believe everyone deserves access to quality legal guidance, which is why we offer free consultations.
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Trial-Tested RepresentationWith more than 60 jury trials under his belt, Attorney Martinez brings unmatched experience to every case, ensuring you're represented by a seasoned professional.
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Strategic ApproachWe believe in fighting for our clients with unwavering dedication and providing clear, strategic guidance every step of the way.
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Aggressive, Experienced DefenseWith 20+ years of experience, including 13 as a prosecutor, Attorney Martinez is known for his relentless, aggressive defense.
How Are Felony Penalties Determined in Sacramento?
California felony penalties turn on several factors:
- The nature and severity of the crime and its impact on alleged victims
- Prior criminal record, if any
- Involvement of weapons
- Aggravating or mitigating factors
Aggravating Factors in Felony Charges
Aggravating factors increase the severity of a charge and can bring harsher penalties.
These factors can include:
- Use of a deadly weapon
- Vulnerability of the victim, such as a child or senior citizen
- Protected individuals, such as law enforcement, firefighters, and other public servants
- Premeditation
- Gang involvement
- Hate crime motivation
Judges weigh these factors when determining sentences, with aggravating circumstances typically leading to stricter penalties. Prosecutors also present evidence and testimony to establish intent, which heavily influences sentencing. In Sacramento County, district attorneys may pursue sentence enhancements when aggravating factors are present. For instance, this can happen when the alleged offense occurred near a school or involved multiple victims. Sacramento judges also weigh the broader impact on public safety, particularly in neighborhoods with higher crime rates. The local trend toward tough sentencing in violent felony cases makes it essential to build a defense that directly confronts every aggravating element the prosecution raises.
Wobbler Felonies & California’s Three Strikes Law
Not every felony charge carries a fixed classification. California recognizes wobbler offenses, crimes prosecutors may charge as either a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances and their discretion. Prosecutors most often pursue the more serious charge, but a defense attorney can argue for misdemeanor treatment at the charging stage, at sentencing, or upon successful completion of probation under California Penal Code section 17(b). Misdemeanor treatment for a wobbler can significantly limit the collateral consequences that follow a conviction.
Prior felony convictions add another layer of exposure through California’s Three Strikes law. A prior strike on your record doubles the standard sentence for any new felony conviction. A third strike triggers a mandatory term of 25 years to life in state prison where the new offense is itself serious or violent. For any defendant who already carries a prior strike, early and strategic legal intervention isn’t optional. It’s critical. Understanding how prior convictions interact with current charges is central to how we approach every felony case.
Mitigating Factors in Felony Charges
Mitigating factors can reduce the severity of a charge and its penalties, including:
- Lack of a prior criminal record
- Remorse
- Playing a minor role in the crime
- Mental health issues
- Cooperation with authorities
- Being provoked or acting under duress
- Rehabilitation efforts
Presenting mitigating factors effectively requires documentation and careful preparation. It’s not enough to simply assert them. Sacramento courts place real value on documented rehabilitation: community service, counseling, and character witness statements can all influence a judge’s decision. Sacramento County also offers specialty courts, including drug court and mental health court, and diversion programs that may provide eligible defendants a path toward rehabilitation rather than state prison. When these materials are assembled and presented well, they can support a more lenient sentence or entry into one of those programs. Knowing which options are available, and how to pursue them, is where local knowledge makes a concrete difference.
How We Defend Against Felony Charges in Sacramento
We provide comprehensive representation for people facing felony charges in Sacramento County. That starts with a thorough review of the evidence: how it was gathered, whether the arrest was lawful, and whether law enforcement followed proper procedure at every step. Constitutional violations and procedural errors can provide grounds for suppression or dismissal, and we look hard for both.
Mr. Martinez takes a direct, hands-on approach with every client. He works to pursue the best available outcome through plea negotiations, charge reduction, or trial preparation, whatever the facts support. We draw on relationships with Sacramento-area investigators, forensic professionals, and expert witnesses familiar with regional court proceedings, and we keep clients informed at every stage by staying current on local filing requirements, court schedules, and administrative protocols. We also assess eligibility for diversion and alternative sentencing programs available in Sacramento County because a courtroom verdict isn’t always the only measure of a successful defense.
Call (916) 318-5142 or contact us online to discuss your case with our Sacramento felony attorney.
FAQs About Felony Charges in Sacramento
What Is the Difference Between a Felony & a Misdemeanor?
Felonies and misdemeanors are both criminal charges, but felonies are more serious and carry more severe consequences. A felony typically results in imprisonment in state prison or county jail, generally for at least 16 months and often for multiple years. Examples include murder, manslaughter, and certain drug offenses. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties: fines, probation, or up to 364 days in county jail. Common misdemeanors include petty theft and simple assault. The classification matters because it shapes your rights, your record, and your future. If you’re facing any criminal charge, seek legal counsel before saying anything to law enforcement.
How Can a Felony Conviction Affect My Future?
The consequences of a felony conviction extend well beyond the sentence itself. Many employers run background checks and hesitate to hire applicants with felony records, and landlords routinely review criminal history before approving rental applications. A conviction can also result in loss of civil rights, including the right to vote while incarcerated and the right to possess firearms, and can affect personal relationships and standing in the community. Non-citizens may face additional consequences, including deportation or loss of eligibility for status adjustments. Acting quickly and getting knowledgeable legal guidance is essential.
Can Felony Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Sometimes, yes. Reduction often comes through plea agreements, where a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge to avoid the full penalties of a felony conviction. Dismissal may be possible if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence, if law enforcement made procedural errors, or if your rights were violated during the arrest or investigation. Achieving either outcome requires an attorney who understands the criminal justice process and knows how to advocate effectively at every stage.
What Are the Common Defenses Against Felony Charges in Sacramento?
Available defenses depend on the specific charges and the facts of the case. Common approaches include alibi, establishing that you weren’t present when or where the crime occurred, and self-defense in cases involving violence. If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights or made procedural mistakes, those errors can render key evidence or witness statements inadmissible. We may also argue lack of intent or lack of involvement, depending on what the facts support. Every defense is built around the specific circumstances of your case, not a generic template.
Why Is a Local Defense Attorney Important in Sacramento?
A local defense attorney knows the Sacramento court system, its judges, its prosecutors, and how cases typically move through the calendar. That familiarity shapes both defense strategy and negotiation. Local attorneys stay current on regional legal trends and law enforcement practices, and many have working relationships with area investigators and expert witnesses. In serious cases like felonies, that local knowledge and courtroom experience can meaningfully affect the outcome.
What Is a Wobbler Felony in California?
A wobbler is an offense California law permits to be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Prosecutors typically choose the more serious charge, but a felony attorney may argue for misdemeanor treatment at the charging stage, at sentencing, or upon completion of probation under Penal Code 17(b). Misdemeanor treatment can significantly limit long-term consequences for employment, housing, and professional licensing. Whether wobbler treatment is available depends on the specific offense and the facts of the case.
If you’re facing felony charges in Sacramento, don’t wait. Call (916) 318-5142 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with Law Office of Mathew Martinez.
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Matthew is a great lawyer who understands his client's needs. Took me on when everyone was trying to bring me down. Did not give embellished ideas. Was straight, honest and concise. You can not go wrong Matthew. Thank you sir if I could give you a hundred stars I would.David M.
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Azul A.
I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez. He did everything he could to successfully represent me in court, and consequently, I was able to walk charge free due to Mr. Martinez's persistence. He is incredibly professional and dedicated, and as such, I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez.
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“I myself have worked in legal services for over a decade with my own profession licenses and I rarely if ever come across an individual with his level of caring, attention to detail, and expertise.”Jeffrey H.
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“His experience as a DA puts him ahead of all others. He is a good honest attorney that can be trusted.”Dawn S.
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I would recommend Matt to anyone without hesitation. He went above and beyond to help me in a time of need, ease my nerves about the process and work professionally.Timothy M.
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“I wish there was option to give Mathew more than five stars because he truly deserves it.”Lala G.
