California Penal Code 246: What It Means in Roseville, CA

A Shooting allegation under California Penal Code 246 is treated as a serious, violence-adjacent firearm offense in California—and if it leads to an Arrest in Downie California or anywhere in Placer County, the case can move fast. Families often have the same urgent questions right away: What exactly is PC 246? What are the penalties? Is bail possible? How do we get someone released?

This blog breaks down the basics of PC 246, what tends to happen after an arrest in Placer County, and how a Bail Bondsman (using a Bailbond) can help loved ones navigate the early steps.

Important note: This is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and anyone facing charges should speak with a qualified California criminal defense attorney.

What Is California Penal Code 246?

Penal Code 246 makes it a felony to maliciously and willfully discharge a firearm at certain protected targets, including:

• an inhabited dwelling house

• an occupied building

• an occupied motor vehicle

• an occupied aircraft

• an inhabited housecar

• an inhabited camper

In other words: PC 246 is not “any shooting.” It’s specifically about firing at places or vehicles where people live or are present (or are reasonably expected to be present). The statute also defines “inhabited” as currently being used for dwelling purposes, whether occupied or not at that exact moment. Legislative Information

Why PC 246 Is Charged So Aggressively

Prosecutors take PC 246 seriously because it’s considered inherently dangerous—even if no one is physically injured. Firing at an inhabited home or an occupied car creates a high risk of harm, which is why this is charged as a felony and often involves strict release conditions if bail is granted.

Even when the underlying situation is complicated—arguments, mistaken identity claims, alleged warning shots, or disputed intent—PC 246 tends to be handled like a high-risk case from the beginning.

PC 246 Penalties in California

PC 246 is a felony, and the punishment can be severe. Under the statute, a conviction is punishable by:

• 3, 5, or 7 years in state prison, or

• county jail for not less than 6 months and not exceeding 1 year Legislative Information

Because the consequences are so serious, the early phase—right after arrest and booking—matters a lot. That’s when bail decisions and court restrictions often get set.

Common Situations That Can Lead to a PC 246 Arrest

Every case is different, but PC 246 allegations often come from situations like:

• shots fired at or into a residence during a dispute

• firing toward a vehicle that is believed to be occupied

• drive-by style allegations (even if the shooter is not identified immediately)

• shooting at an apartment, condo, or shared dwelling

• incidents where the shooter claims they were aiming elsewhere, but the trajectory or impact suggests otherwise

It’s important to understand: the charge focuses on the act of shooting at the protected target and the mental state alleged (maliciously and willfully), not only on whether someone was injured.

What Happens After an Arrest in Roseville or Placer County

When a PC 246 case results in an Arrest in Placer County, the immediate process typically includes:

1) Booking and custody

After booking, a person may be housed at a Placer County facility depending on classification, space, and other factors. For South Placer-area arrests, families commonly deal with South Placer Jail in Roseville. Placer County’s Corrections page lists South Placer Jail at 11801 Go For Broke Road, Roseville, CA 95678 with phone 916-409-8100. Placer County

2) Bail review / custody status

Bail (if allowed) may be based on bail schedules, judicial discretion, the alleged facts, criminal history, public safety concerns, and whether there are alleged threats or prior incidents.

3) Early court dates and protective conditions

In many firearm-related felony cases, courts may impose strict conditions—such as no-contact orders, stay-away orders, firearm restrictions, and limitations on travel—regardless of whether the person is released on bail.

Where the Placer County Sheriff Fits In

In Placer County, custody and jail operations run through the Sheriff’s Office and county corrections resources. Placer County provides inmate information tools and a “Who’s In Custody” resource through its official Corrections page. Placer County

For families, this matters because it helps answer the first practical questions:

• Where is my loved one being held?

• What is the booking status?

• Is bail listed?

• What jail facility is involved?

Is Bail Possible for PC 246?

Often, yes, bail may be possible in many PC 246 situations—but it depends heavily on the facts, the person’s record, and court concerns about safety. A judge may also increase bail or impose strict terms if the court believes there is a risk to the community.

Even when bail is granted, release conditions can be intense. That’s why families frequently reach out to a Bail Bondsman early—because time matters, and the process can feel confusing when emotions are high.

How a Bailbond Works (Simple Explanation)

When bail is set, families generally have two paths:

Option A: Pay the full bail amount

This means posting the entire bail amount to the court (or through an approved process). If the defendant returns to court as required, the bail is typically eligible for return later—subject to court timelines and rules.

Option B: Use a Bailbond through a Bail Bondsman

A Bailbond is often used when bail is high and paying the full amount isn’t realistic. With a bail bond, a Bail Bondsmanposts the bond to secure release, and the family pays the bond premium instead of the full bail amount.

In a serious case like a PC 246 Shooting allegation, families often choose this route to act quickly while still keeping finances stable.

Important Release Conditions to Take Seriously

If someone is released after a PC 246 arrest, courts may order conditions such as:

• no firearms / no ammunition

• no contact with alleged victims or witnesses

• stay-away distances from specific addresses

• compliance checks or supervision requirements

• restrictions on travel or residence changes

Violating release conditions can lead to re-arrest and additional charges—so it’s critical that defendants understand the rules and follow them strictly.

What to Do If Your Loved One Was Arrested for PC 246 in Roseville

If a family member was arrested for California Penal Code 246 felony in Roseville California, here are practical next steps:

1. Confirm custody location and booking details through official county resources. Placer County provides jail and inmate information through its Corrections page. Placer County

2. Find out bail (if listed) and whether there are any holds or conditions.

3. Speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

4. If bail is set and you need help, contact a Bail Bondsman to discuss a Bailbond option and what paperwork will be required.

Q&A: PC 246 Felony Shooting, Bail, and Arrests in Placer County

1) What exactly is Penal Code 246?

PC 246 is the felony offense of maliciously and willfully discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling house or certain occupied/inhabited structures or vehicles (like an occupied motor vehicle). Legislative Information

2) Does someone have to be injured for PC 246 to apply?

Not necessarily. PC 246 focuses on firing at the protected target (inhabited/occupied places or vehicles). Injury can raise the stakes, but a lack of injury does not automatically prevent charges.

3) What are the penalties for PC 246?

The statute provides punishment of 3, 5, or 7 years in state prison, or 6 months to 1 year in county jail. Legislative Information

4) Where might someone be held after an arrest in the Roseville area?

Many South Placer-area cases involve South Placer Jail, listed by Placer County at 11801 Go For Broke Road, Roseville, CA 95678 (phone 916-409-8100). Placer County

5) What’s the difference between paying full bail and using a bail bond?

Paying full bail means posting the entire bail amount to the court. Using a Bailbond through a Bail Bondsman typically allows release without paying the full bail upfront, because the bond company guarantees the bail.

What Makes Bail House Bail Bonds Stand Out in Placer County

When someone is arrested for a felony firearm offense, families are rarely calm—they’re scared, overwhelmed, and trying to move fast without making mistakes. In those moments, the bail agency you call should do more than “process paperwork.”

Here’s what families in Placer County tend to value most, and what Bail House Bail Bonds focuses on delivering:

• Local, practical support: Knowledge of Placer County custody logistics and what families typically need right away.

• Clear communication: No confusing jargon—just straightforward steps and realistic expectations.

• Speed when it matters: Arrests happen at all hours, and quick action can make a difference in how smoothly the early process goes.

• Respect and confidentiality: Firearm cases are sensitive, and your situation deserves discretion.

• Guidance through the Bailbond process: From explaining what documents you’ll need to coordinating next steps so you’re not guessing.

If you need a Bailbond after an Arrest tied to a Shooting allegation in Roseville or elsewhere in Placer County, Bail House Bail Bonds is prepared to help you navigate the process with clarity and urgency.