An Arrest for Arson is serious anywhere in California—but when the allegation includes Great Bodily Injury, the stakes rise fast. If you or someone you care about is being investigated or has been arrested in Roseville California or elsewhere in Placer County, understanding California Penal Code 451(a) can help you make calmer, smarter decisions in the first critical hours. This guide breaks down what the charge means, what penalties can look like, what may happen after an arrest involving the Placer County Sheriff, and how a Bailbond through a trusted Bail Bondsman (like Bail House Bail Bonds) can help your family move forward while the court process plays out.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.
Under California Penal Code 451, a person commits Arson when they willfully and maliciously set fire to, burn, cause something to be burned, or even aid/counsel/procure the burning of a structure, forest land, or property. LegiInfo California
Penal Code 451(a) is the most severe version of this statute: it applies when the alleged arson causes great bodily injuryto another person. LegiInfo California
In plain language: prosecutors are not just saying “a fire happened.” They are alleging (1) the fire was started intentionally and maliciously, and (2) someone suffered Great Bodily Injury because of it.
California law commonly defines Great Bodily Injury as a significant or substantial physical injury—more than minor harm. LegiInfo California
In real cases, “GBI” can include injuries like:
Serious burns requiring medical treatment or surgery
Smoke inhalation causing major respiratory harm
Broken bones or other substantial injuries from escape attempts
Injuries that lead to long-term impairment
Not every injury automatically becomes “GBI,” but once prosecutors believe the harm is substantial, it can change how the case is charged and negotiated.
California Penal Code 451 has multiple levels depending on what burned and what harm occurred:
451(a): Arson causing Great Bodily Injury LegiInfo California
451(b): Arson of an inhabited structure or inhabited property LegiInfo California
451(c): Arson of a structure or forest land LegiInfo California
451(d): Arson of property LegiInfo California
There’s also Penal Code 452, which is unlawfully causing a fire by acting recklessly (not willfully/maliciously). LegiInfo California This distinction matters because reckless conduct can be charged differently than malicious arson, and penalties can differ based on the facts.
If someone is convicted of PC 451(a), the statute lists a state prison sentence of five, seven, or nine years. LegiInfo California
Because this charge involves Great Bodily Injury, it is treated as extremely serious by courts. And it may affect:
Bail decisions (often higher bail and stricter release conditions)
Whether the case is considered a “serious felony” under California law (arson is listed in the serious felony statute) LegiInfo California
Long-term consequences like employment barriers, housing denials, professional licensing issues, and reputation damage
You might hear people talk about an extra “GBI enhancement” under Penal Code 12022.7. That law does add time in many felonies—but it specifically says it does not apply to a violation of Section 451 or 452, and it also doesn’t apply when GBI is an element of the offense. LegiInfo California
So in arson cases charged under 451/452, that particular enhancement is generally not stacked on top.
In many arson investigations, law enforcement doesn’t rush to arrest immediately. Fires are complex scenes. Investigators may look at:
Where the fire started and how it spread
Witness statements, cameras, and timelines
Evidence of accelerants or ignition sources
Digital evidence (texts, location data, searches)
Prior disputes, threats, or motive allegations
In Roseville California and across Placer County, an arrest may come after investigators believe they can argue the fire was intentional and linked to the suspect. If the Placer County Sheriff is involved in the arrest or booking process, families often feel blindsided—especially when they hear the words “Arson” and “Great Bodily Injury.”
After an Arrest, the person is typically taken for booking and held pending bail or a court appearance. In South Placer, detention often involves the South Placer Jail facility in Roseville. Placer County
South Placer Jail (Placer County Sheriff-related facility) contact details include:
Physical Address: 11801 Go For Broke Road, Roseville, CA 95678 Placer County
Phone: 916-409-8100 Placer County
From a family’s perspective, the first 24 hours are usually about:
Confirming where the person is being held
Learning the charges and whether bail has been set
Coordinating legal help and planning next steps
Deciding how to arrange a Bailbond if release is possible
With an accusation as serious as California Penal Code 451(a), staying in custody can make everything harder—work, school, caregiving, and preparing a defense. Bail (when available) creates breathing room so the defendant can:
Meet with an attorney
Collect documents and witness information
Continue employment (when possible)
Show the court stability and compliance
A Bail Bondsman helps families post bail without paying the full amount in cash up front. Instead, a Bailbond is used to secure release, and the bondsman helps guide the family through the process and requirements.
Under Penal Code 451, arson is charged as a felony, with penalties that increase depending on injury and what burned. LegiInfo California
They must allege the fire was willful and malicious, involved burning/causing burning (or aiding/counseling/procuring), and that it caused great bodily injury. LegiInfo California+1
The statute lists five, seven, or nine years in state prison. LegiInfo California
Penal Code 12022.7 includes a rule that it does not apply to a violation of Section 451 or 452, and it also limits use when GBI is an element of the offense. LegiInfo California
Many South Placer arrests involve custody at South Placer Jail in Roseville (11801 Go For Broke Road, Roseville, CA 95678). Placer County
When a loved one is arrested for a high-stakes accusation like Arson causing Great Bodily Injury, you need more than “someone who posts bail.” You need a team that moves fast, explains clearly, and treats your situation with respect.
Here’s what families often value about Bail House Bail Bonds compared to other agencies:
Speed and availability: Arrests don’t happen on a schedule—help should be reachable when you need it.
Clear communication: A good agency explains the Bailbond process in plain language so you don’t feel lost.
Local familiarity: Knowing the flow of Placer County custody and court procedures can reduce delays and confusion.
Professional discretion: A reputable Bail Bondsman keeps things confidential and handles your case with dignity.
Step-by-step support: From confirming custody location to explaining what happens next, Bail House Bail Bonds focuses on making a chaotic moment feel manageable.
If someone you love is dealing with an Arrest in Roseville California, Bail House Bail Bonds can help you understand the next move and work quickly toward release when bail is an option.