Criminal Defense for Sacramento and Northern California
Eric H. Hintz has represented people accused of crimes in state and federal courts for more than 35 years. Your first consultation is free and confidential.
Call or text any hour
(916) 802-5979

- Admitted to the California Bar
- Since 1985
- Super Lawyers, Criminal Defense
- 2007–2026
- Avvo rating
- 9.8, Top Attorney
- Of Counsel to
- Messing Adam Jasmine & Shore
A personal, hands‑on practice
Eric H. Hintz is a Criminal Defense attorney in Sacramento, California. He represents clients throughout Northern California in cases involving Criminal Defense, White Collar Criminal Defense, DUI, domestic violence, sex crimes, computer crimes, financial crimes and juvenile crimes.
With more than 35 years of legal experience, he remains committed to a personal, hands-on approach to practicing law. New business comes almost exclusively through referrals from satisfied clients and other attorneys.
A lifelong resident of the Sacramento area, he graduated from Elk Grove High School, the University of California at Davis and UC Law San Francisco.
What happens when you call
Straightforward from the first conversation.
Call or text, any hour
Reach the office at (916) 465-6500, or call or text Eric at (916) 802-5979, 24 hours a day.
Free, confidential consultation
Prospective clients who are out of custody get a free initial consultation. If someone is in custody, Eric is generally willing to meet with family or friends first.
A flat-fee quote
Fees are discussed at the end of the consultation and are normally quoted as a flat fee, based on the seriousness and complexity of the case.
A plan built around your future
Eric builds a case plan that takes your job, schooling and family into account.
Arrested for DUI? Request your DMV hearing within 10 days.
A DUI arrest starts a separate DMV action to suspend or revoke your license, in addition to the criminal charges. You, or an attorney acting for you, must contact the DMV within 10 days of the arrest to request a hearing.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense in state and federal courts, from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Criminal trial practice in state and federal courts
Trial representation in criminal, white collar, DUI, drug, domestic violence, sex crime, computer crime, financial and juvenile cases.
Learn about criminal trial practiceDUI
Defense against DUI charges and the separate DMV action against your driver’s license.
Learn about DUIAssault
What prosecutors must prove under Penal Code Section 240, and the defenses available before you go to court.
Learn about assaultBattery
Misdemeanor and felony battery charges, which turn on the degree of injury alleged.
Learn about batteryWhite collar crime
Fraud, bribery, embezzlement and tax evasion, including matters still under investigation.
Learn about white collar crimeDomestic violence
Charges under Penal Code §§ 243(e)(1) and 273.5, including cases where the alleged victim does not support prosecution.
Learn about domestic violence
Recent case results
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Felony assault and battery with great bodily injury
Not guilty on all counts after trialThe client was found not guilty after trial on all counts, including felony assault and battery with great bodily injury and alleged terrorist threats.
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Felony DUI with great bodily injury
Resolved with community service and no jail timeThe client was charged with two counts of felony DUI, with enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury on her passenger, who sustained life-threatening injuries. The District Attorney agreed to no initial state prison but wanted the client to serve 180 days of actual time in the county jail.
At a contested sentencing hearing, the court agreed with Eric Hintz that actual jail time was not necessary and sentenced the client to community service hours.
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Three felonies, including felony DUI causing injury
Misdemeanor plea and no jail timeThe client was charged with three felonies, including two counts of felony DUI causing injury to multiple victims and felony child endangerment.
Eric Hintz negotiated a plea bargain with the court, over the objection of the District Attorney, that resulted in a misdemeanor resolution and no actual jail time for the client, which saved his employment.
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any other matter.
What clients say

Visit the office
2150 River Plaza Drive, Suite 140Sacramento, CA 95833
Eric H. Hintz is Of Counsel to the law firm of Messing Adam Jasmine & Shore and maintains his independent Criminal Defense practice at this location. Visits are by appointment only, and there's plenty of free parking.
Talk to Eric today
Consultations are free and confidential. Call the office, or call or text any hour.