An arrest can happen fast—especially during a traffic stop, a street contact, or a situation where emotions are running high. In those moments, some people panic and give the wrong name, a fake birthdate, or another form of false information. In California, that can lead to a criminal charge under California Penal Code 148.9, often described as “giving false identification to a peace officer.”
If you or someone you care about is dealing with a PC 148.9 case in Roseville California, this blog breaks down what the law generally covers, how it connects to obstruction, what to expect after an arrest, and how a bail amount is usually handled. We’ll also explain how a Bail Bondsman, Bail Agent, and Bail House Bail Bonds can help with a bail bond or Bailbond when getting someone home quickly matters.
Important note: This is general information, not legal advice. For a specific case, consult a California criminal defense attorney.
California Penal Code 148.9 makes it a crime to give a false name or false identifying information to a peace officer during a lawful detention or arrest, with the intent to avoid proper identification. In plain English: it’s about trying to mislead law enforcement about who you are.
These cases typically come up when someone provides:
A fake name
A wrong date of birth
A false address
A made-up identity altogether
Someone else’s identity (in some situations)
It is often charged alongside related allegations like obstruction, especially when law enforcement believes the false information slowed down the investigation or interfered with duties.
Most PC 148.9 cases don’t start with a “master plan.” They start with panic. Here are common scenarios in Roseville California where this charge can appear:
A driver (or passenger) gives a false name to avoid tickets, warrants, license issues, or probation problems.
Someone is detained for questioning and provides false information hoping the officer won’t run a correct check.
During the booking process, false identifying information is given to prevent a criminal history from being discovered.
People sometimes lie because they believe a warrant exists—or they’re afraid of being taken in.
Even if the original reason for contact was minor, giving false information can turn a small issue into a more serious legal headache.
You’ll often hear PC 148.9 discussed alongside obstruction. That’s because giving a false identity can be viewed as an act that interferes with an officer’s ability to do their job—identifying someone, confirming warrants, or determining whether a person is eligible for a citation versus an arrest.
The key idea is this: when an officer cannot quickly verify identity, the situation often escalates. That escalation can lead to:
Being taken into custody instead of cited and released
More time detained
Additional charges depending on the context
Greater scrutiny during bail decisions
PC 148.9 is commonly charged as a misdemeanor, but the outcome—and what else gets added—depends on the circumstances.
Factors that can change how seriously the case is treated include:
Whether the person had outstanding warrants
Whether the stop or detention involved other alleged crimes
Whether the officer believes the lie was intentional and persistent
Whether someone else’s identity was used (which can trigger more serious allegations)
Any prior record and prior court compliance history
Bottom line: even when the charge itself is “just a misdemeanor,” it can still create major complications—especially if it is paired with other offenses.
After an arrest, the person is typically:
Taken to jail and booked
Identified (often through fingerprints or records checks)
Assigned a bail amount based on a schedule or judge review
Held until bail is posted or they are released on their own recognizance (OR)
The exact process can vary depending on the person’s history, the circumstances of the stop, and what other allegations exist. In many cases, the pressing issue becomes: how fast can we get them home?
That’s where bail bond options matter.
A bail amount is set to help ensure a person returns to court. It can be based on:
A county bail schedule
A judge’s bail review hearing
Additional conditions (like holds, warrants, or probation status)
For a PC 148.9 charge, bail may be moderate—but it can increase if there are add-on charges, warrants, or concerns about court compliance.
If the bail amount is more than you can afford out-of-pocket, a bail bond through a Bail Bondsman or Bail Agent can be a practical solution.
A bail bond (often written as Bailbond) is a way to secure someone’s release without paying the full bail amount in cash. Instead, a licensed Bail Bondsman or Bail Agent posts the bond as a guarantee to the court that the person will return for required court dates.
This can be especially helpful when:
The family needs a fast release
Paying the full bail amount is unrealistic
The defendant needs to return to work, school, or family responsibilities quickly
A bail bond isn’t about “getting away with it.” It’s about allowing someone to fight their case while staying stable and showing up to court from home rather than from a jail cell.
One reason prosecutors and courts take false ID seriously is because identity is central to the justice system. If someone lies about who they are, law enforcement may assume:
They’re hiding a warrant
They’re hiding a record
They won’t show up to court
That assumption can affect:
Whether the person is cited or arrested
Whether release is granted quickly
How bail is viewed during a hearing
Even if the original contact was minor, giving false information can create an “attitude shift” in how the entire incident is handled.
If you or a loved one is dealing with PC 148.9, here are practical steps that help:
Don’t discuss case details on recorded calls.
Write down what happened while it’s fresh: time, place, who was there, what was said.
Gather documents: your legal name, ID, and anything that clarifies identity and residence.
Talk to a defense attorney early, especially if other charges are involved.
Take court dates seriously. With obstruction-related allegations, showing compliance matters.
It generally covers giving a false name or false identifying information to law enforcement during a lawful detention or arrest to avoid proper identification.
It can be related. Providing false information can be treated as a form of obstruction because it may interfere with an officer’s ability to identify someone and do their job.
Not always, but an officer may arrest—especially if they believe the person is hiding warrants, refuses to cooperate, or the identity cannot be verified quickly.
That usually depends on the bail amount. If the bail is set and paying in full isn’t realistic, a bail bond (Bailbond) through a Bail Bondsman or Bail Agent can be an option.
Missing court can lead to a warrant and serious complications. Court compliance is critical, especially in cases involving obstruction-related allegations.
When someone is arrested, families don’t want confusion—they want a clear plan. Bail House Bail Bonds stands out because they prioritize speed, professionalism, and support when you’re dealing with a stressful situation.
Here’s what separates Bail House Bail Bonds from many other agencies:
Fast, responsive communication: You’re not left wondering what happens next.
Clear explanations: They break down the bail bond process so it’s easy to follow.
Respect and confidentiality: Your situation is treated with discretion.
Reliable guidance through the process: From understanding your bail amount to posting a bail bond, the focus is on helping you move forward.
Support when time matters: Arrests happen at inconvenient hours. Having a team that takes urgency seriously is a big deal.
If you need a dependable Bail Bondsman or Bail Agent who understands how stressful these moments can be, Bail House Bail Bonds is built to help families act quickly and confidently.
A charge under California Penal Code 148.9 can feel surprising, but it’s more common than many people realize—especially in stressful encounters where someone panics and gives false information. In Roseville California, a PC 148.9 arrest can affect custody decisions, court conditions, and your bail amount, particularly when obstruction is part of the narrative.
If you need help securing a bail bond quickly, working with a trusted Bail Bondsman and Bail Agent makes the process much easier. Bail House Bail Bonds stands ready to help you understand your options and move forward with clarity, confidentiality, and urgency.