Violent-crime cases often come down to one account against another. Self-defense, the injuries actually documented, and what witnesses can really say are where these cases are won or narrowed.
PC 273.5
Wobbler
Willfully inflicting an injury that results in a traumatic condition on a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, dating partner, or the other parent of your child.
Exposure
Up to one year in county jail, or two, three, or four years in state prison, and a fine up to $6,000. Protective orders are common while the case is pending.
PC 243(e)(1)
Misdemeanor
Any willful, unlawful touching of a spouse, partner, or co-parent. No visible injury is required.
Exposure
Up to one year in county jail and a fine up to $2,000. Probation usually includes a batterer’s program.
PC 245
Wobbler
An assault with a deadly weapon or instrument, or with force likely to produce great bodily injury.
Exposure
Generally up to one year in county jail, or two, three, or four years in state prison. Firearm cases and assaults on officers carry higher ranges.
PC 242 / 243
Misdemeanor or felony
Any willful and unlawful use of force or violence on another person.
Exposure
Simple battery: a misdemeanor, up to six months in county jail and a fine up to $2,000. Battery causing serious bodily injury (PC 243(d)): a wobbler, up to one year in county jail or two, three, or four years in state prison.
PC 240 / 241
Misdemeanor
An unlawful attempt, with the present ability, to commit a violent injury on another person. No contact is required.
Exposure
Up to six months in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. Higher ranges apply when the alleged victim is an officer or another protected worker.
PC 422
Wobbler
Willfully threatening to commit a crime that would result in death or great bodily injury, where the threat causes the person to be in sustained, reasonable fear.
Exposure
Up to one year in county jail, or 16 months, two, or three years in state prison. A felony conviction counts as a strike.
PC 215
Felony
Taking a vehicle from someone’s person or immediate presence, against their will, by force or fear.
Exposure
Three, five, or nine years in state prison. A conviction counts as a strike.
PC 664 / 187
Felony
A direct but unsuccessful step toward killing another person, with the specific intent to kill.
Exposure
Five, seven, or nine years in state prison. If found willful, deliberate, and premeditated, life with the possibility of parole. Weapon and injury enhancements can add time.
PC 187
The ranges above summarize the statutes as maximums and minimums, not predictions. Enhancements, prior convictions, and the specific facts can change them, and many cases resolve with diversion, reduced charges, or dismissal. This is general information, not legal advice, and no outcome is guaranteed. Statute links go to California Legislative Information.
other practice areas
01
DUI, reckless driving, suspended license, hit and run, evading, vehicular manslaughter.
7 charges →
02
Petty and grand theft, shoplifting, burglary, robbery, receiving stolen property, embezzlement, auto theft.
8 charges →
03
Possession, possession for sale, transportation and sales, paraphernalia.
4 charges →
04
Concealed firearm, felon in possession, loaded firearm in public.
3 charges →
05
Indecent exposure, solicitation, failure to register.
3 charges →
06
Vandalism, resisting arrest, probation violations, warrants, expungements.
5 charges →
Don’t see your charge? It’s probably not a problem. Call or text me at (310) 938-1992 and I’ll tell you straight whether I can help.
Legal Lion
Criminal defense in Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Riverside County. Direct representation from Raja Rafay Shahid. Legal Lion was founded in 2020.
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