Few allegations hit a family harder than Child abuse. If you or someone you love is facing an Arrest for California Penal Code 273d—often described as Corporal Injury or “cruel or inhuman corporal punishment”—the situation can move fast and feel overwhelming. In Placer County, cases involving children are treated with urgency, and they often involve immediate protective orders, strict release conditions, and rapid court dates.
This blog explains what PC 273d covers, how prosecutors try to prove it, the potential penalties, what typically happens after booking into Placer County Jail facilities, and how a Bail bondsman and Bailbond (including Bail House Bail Bonds) may help when bail is available.
This article is general information, not legal advice. If you’re facing charges, consult a qualified California criminal defense attorney right away.
California Penal Code 273d(a) makes it a crime when a person willfully inflicts upon a child either:
cruel or inhuman corporal punishment, or
an injury resulting in a traumatic condition. Legislative Information
“Child” here means anyone under 18. Justia
Under California jury instructions, a traumatic physical condition is “a wound or other bodily injury, whether minor or serious, caused by the direct application of physical force.” Justia
That definition is important because people sometimes assume “traumatic” means a catastrophic injury. Legally, it can be broader than that.
When this charge goes to trial, the court typically uses the standard jury instruction (CALCRIM 822). In plain English, the prosecution generally must prove:
The defendant willfully inflicted cruel or inhuman physical punishment and/or an injury on a child, and
That punishment/injury caused a traumatic physical condition. Justia
In some cases, a third issue may be added when the defense involves discipline: whether the defendant was not reasonably disciplining the child. Justia
This is one of the biggest reasons PC 273d cases are fact-heavy: courts may look at the child’s age/size, the amount of force, how the injury occurred, and the surrounding circumstances.
PC 273d is often called a “wobbler,” meaning it can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts.
The statute states a violation of 273d(a) is punishable by:
2, 4, or 6 years imprisonment under Penal Code 1170(h), or
up to 1 year in county jail, and/or
a fine up to $6,000. Legislative Information
Even though the statute calls it “a felony,” it also expressly allows county jail up to a year, which is why the practical charging/sentencing can vary widely. Legislative Information
PC 273d includes a four-year enhancement for a prior conviction of the same offense, with a “washout” style rule tied to a 10-year clean period (no felony convictions and no prison/certain custody) before the enhancement can be avoided. Legislative Information
If a person is convicted and probation is granted, the statute requires minimum conditions such as:
at least 36 months probation, Legislative Information
a criminal protective order protecting the victim (and potentially stay-away/residence exclusion conditions), Legislative Information
and at least one year of a child abuser’s treatment counseling program (with enrollment/progress documentation requirements). Legislative Information
The statute also allows alcohol/drug conditions and testing if the offense occurred while under the influence. Legislative Information
PC 273d investigations can begin in many ways—reports to law enforcement, mandated reporter calls, school/medical referrals, or family conflicts. Because children are involved, the system often moves quickly to protect the child while investigators sort out what happened.
Placer County provides guidance that anyone can report suspected child abuse and directs residents to contact CPS by phone; if a child is in imminent danger, call law enforcement immediately. Placer County
Placer County also lists a 24/7 child welfare hotline (including toll-free) through its Children’s System of Care. Placer County
When an Arrest occurs for Corporal Injury to a child, families usually have the same urgent questions: Where are they being held? Can they bail out? How do we find custody information?
Placer County’s Sheriff Corrections page tells the public to use its Who’s In Custody site to view the most recent inmate information. Placer County
Depending on where the arrest happened and classification decisions, custody may involve:
Auburn Jail — 2775 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603; 530-745-8500 Placer County
South Placer Jail — 11801 Go For Broke Road, Roseville, CA 95678; 916-409-8100 Placer County
(These are often what people mean when they say “Placer County Jail,” even though Placer operates multiple custody locations.) Placer County+1
Often, yes—bail may be set depending on the facts, criminal history, and court concerns about safety. However, because this charge involves a child, courts frequently impose strict release conditions, including protective orders and stay-away rules, even if bail is posted. Legislative Information
Option A: Post the full bail amount
This typically means paying the full bail to the court (or using a court-approved process). If the defendant appears as required, bail may be eligible to be returned later—subject to court rules and timelines.
Option B: Use a Bailbond through a Bail bondsman
A Bailbond can help families secure release without paying the entire bail amount upfront. A Bail bondsman posts a surety bond guaranteeing the bail to the court, and the family pays the bond premium.
In a high-stress child-abuse investigation, families often want a clear, fast path through the bail process, because every hour in custody affects work, family obligations, and the ability to meet with an attorney.
Here’s a practical, calm checklist:
Confirm custody location using Placer County’s official Corrections resources and the “Who’s In Custody” system. Placer County
Get the case number / booking details and find out if bail is listed.
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. These cases are fact-intensive and move fast.
If bail is set, contact a Bail bondsman to discuss a Bailbond option and what documentation is needed.
Take protective orders seriously. The statute itself contemplates protective orders as a minimum probation condition, and courts often issue orders early in child-related cases. Legislative Information
It prohibits willfully inflicting cruel or inhuman corporal punishment on a child, or an injury that results in a traumatic condition. Legislative Information
A traumatic physical condition is a wound or other bodily injury—minor or serious—caused by the direct application of physical force. Justia
The statute provides penalties that include 2, 4, or 6 years under 1170(h) or up to 1 year in county jail, plus a fine up to $6,000, so filing/sentencing can vary depending on the facts. Legislative Information
Custody may involve facilities such as Auburn Jail (2775 Richardson Drive, Auburn) or South Placer Jail (11801 Go For Broke Road, Roseville). Placer County+1
Placer County Sheriff Corrections directs the public to the Who’s In Custody site for the most current inmate information. Placer County
When a family is dealing with a child-abuse arrest, they’re usually overwhelmed and terrified—trying to act quickly while also being careful not to make things worse. In those moments, the bail agency you choose matters.
Here’s what families often value, and what Bail House Bail Bonds focuses on providing compared to other agencies in the area:
Fast response when it counts: Arrests don’t follow business hours, and families need help immediately.
Clear, plain-English guidance: The Bailbond process is explained step-by-step so you’re not guessing under pressure.
Local familiarity with Placer County Jail logistics: Knowing the flow between Placer County custody facilities and how families typically find inmate information helps reduce delays and confusion. Placer County+2Placer County+2
Professional discretion: Child-related allegations are extremely sensitive—your situation deserves confidentiality and respect.
Support for the whole family: Bail House Bail Bonds helps families understand what happens next and how to stay organized during a chaotic time.
If you need a Bailbond in Placer County after an Arrest involving Child abuse allegations, Bail House Bail Bonds is ready to help you move forward with urgency, clarity, and professionalism.