Understanding PC 311.1 Felony Charges and Bail Bonds in Tahoe City

Few arrests feel more overwhelming—legally and emotionally—than allegations involving Penal Code 311.1. If someone is accused of possessing, publishing, producing, printing, duplicating, or otherwise handling obscene matter depicting a person under age 18 with intent to distribute, exhibit, or exchange, the case can move quickly, and the consequences can be severe. Families often don’t know where to start: What does the law actually say? What happens after an Arrest? Will there be a Bail amount? Can a Bail Bond help?

This blog is a general-information guide for people in and around Tahoe City who are searching for help—often typing “Bail bond near me” late at night—trying to understand the process and what comes next. We’ll explain what PC 311.1 covers, what prosecutors must prove, what happens after an Arrest, and how a Bail Bondsman / Bail Agent can help with a Bailbond or Bail Bond through Bail House Bail Bonds.

Important: This article is not legal advice. It does not provide instructions to commit, conceal, or evade law enforcement. If someone is facing charges, they should speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately.

What Is Penal Code 311.1?

California Penal Code 311.1 criminalizes certain actions involving “obscene matter” when the person knows the matter depicts a minor (under 18) engaging in or simulating sexual conduct and the person acts with an intent to distribute, exhibit, or exchange with others. The statute is broad and includes many forms of media—photos, video, and digital files—and specifically includes digitally altered or artificial-intelligence-generated matter depicting what appears to be a minor.

In plain terms, PC 311.1 can involve allegations such as:

• Possessing certain prohibited content with intent to distribute or exchange
• Publishing or printing such content
• Producing or duplicating it
• Sending or bringing it into California for sale/distribution
• Offering to distribute, distributing, exhibiting, or exchanging it with others

Is PC 311.1 Always a Felony?

PC 311.1 can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony (often called a “wobbler”), depending on the alleged facts and a person’s history. The statute includes potential punishment ranges that can involve up to a year in county jail and fines, or state prison and higher fines.
Because your request is for a 311.1 Felony blog, the focus here is on how cases can look when charged at the felony level—especially when prosecutors claim intent to distribute or exchange with others.

“Obscene Matter” and “Intent to Distribute”: Why These Words Matter

PC 311.1 isn’t simply about the existence of a file or image—it’s about knowledge and intent.

1) Knowledge

Prosecutors typically must show the defendant knew the character of the matter and knew it depicted someone under 18 (or what appears to be under 18).

2) Intent to Distribute / Exhibit / Exchange

A major line in PC 311.1 cases is whether the person intended to distribute, show, or exchange the matter with others. That intent component is specifically emphasized in jury instructions tied to these offenses.

3) What “Obscene” Means (Legally)

California jury instructions outline a legal definition of “obscene matter” that involves whether it depicts sexual conduct in an offensive way, lacks serious value (literary, artistic, political, or scientific), and appeals to a prurient interest when evaluated as a whole.
This is a legal standard, and it’s one reason these cases are heavily evidence-driven and attorney-guided.

What Usually Happens After an Arrest for PC 311.1 in the Tahoe City Area?

When an Arrest happens for PC 311.1 allegations, families often experience immediate panic and confusion. While every case is different, the process frequently includes:

Booking and Jail Intake

After an Arrest, the person is booked, fingerprinted, photographed, and processed into the jail system. Property is logged and held.

Bail Review and Bail Amount

In many felony cases, the court (or a bail schedule, depending on circumstances) may set a Bail amount. Factors that can influence bail decisions can include the alleged conduct, criminal history, ties to the community, and any concerns about public safety or court appearance.

First Court Appearance (Arraignment)

The arraignment is typically the first time charges are formally addressed in court. Conditions of release—if release is allowed—may be discussed.

Where Tahoe City Comes In

If the case is being handled in the Tahoe region of Placer County, proceedings may be associated with the Tahoe City courthouse location used by the Placer County Superior Court.
(Locations and assignments vary by case, so an attorney or the court can confirm the exact department and schedule.)

How a Bail Bond Works in a Felony Case

If a Bail amount is set and bail is permitted, there are usually two general routes:

Option A: Pay the Full Bail Amount to the Court

This is the full bail amount posted directly. If the defendant appears at all court dates and follows conditions, bail may be returned at case end (minus possible administrative deductions).

Option B: Use a Bail Bond (Bailbond)

A Bail Bond (sometimes written as Bailbond) is when a bail agency posts the bond so the person can be released without the family paying the full bail amount up front. A Bail Bondsman or Bail Agent guides the family through the paperwork, requirements, and next steps.

For families searching “Bail bond near me” in Tahoe City, the immediate goal is usually simple: get reliable information fast—What is the bail amount? Is bail allowed? What do we need to start the process?

Release Conditions Matter as Much as Release Itself

In sensitive felony cases, courts may set strict conditions of release. These can include:

• No-contact orders
• Travel restrictions
• Device/internet-related restrictions (depending on the case)
• Required court check-ins or other conditions

A reputable Bail Bondsman doesn’t just help post a Bail Bond—they help clients understand what is required so they don’t accidentally violate conditions and end up back in custody.

What Families Should (and Shouldn’t) Do Right Away

If you’re helping someone who was arrested for PC 311.1:

Do:

• Get the correct booking information (full name, DOB, location)
• Ask whether a Bail amount has been set
• Contact a qualified criminal defense attorney immediately
• Call a trusted Bail Agent to discuss a Bail Bond option if bail is available

Don’t:

• Discuss case details on recorded jail calls
• Guess about evidence or facts—let an attorney handle the legal strategy
• Try to “solve” the case yourself (these cases can have serious legal pitfalls)

7 Q&A: PC 311.1 Felony Cases, Bail, and Next Steps

1) What does Penal Code 311.1 actually prohibit?

It prohibits knowingly handling “obscene matter” depicting a person under 18 (or what appears to be under 18, including AI/digitally altered depictions) in certain ways—especially when there is intent to distribute, exhibit, or exchange, or when the person actually distributes/exchanges it.

2) Is PC 311.1 always charged as a felony?

Not always. The statute allows for different punishment ranges that can support misdemeanor or felony prosecution depending on the case.

3) How does the court decide the Bail amount in a felony case?

Bail decisions can depend on the charge, alleged facts, criminal history, and whether the court views the person as a flight risk or a public-safety concern. A Bail Agent can often help you confirm whether bail has been set and what options exist.

4) Can I use a Bail Bond instead of paying the full bail amount?

If bail is permitted, yes. A Bail Bond (Bailbond) can allow release without paying the entire bail amount up front, working through a Bail Bondsman.

5) What information does a Bail Bondsman need to get started?

Usually: the person’s full name, date of birth, where they’re being held, and a booking number (if available). If you don’t have everything, a Bail Agent can often still help locate what’s needed.

6) How long does it take to get released after a Bail Bond is posted?

It varies by jail staffing and processing. Even after posting a Bail Bond, release can take several hours depending on the facility.

7) What’s the biggest mistake families make right after an Arrest?

Talking about case details on recorded calls, relying on rumors, and waiting too long to get a defense attorney involved. The safest move is to handle logistics (bail, court dates) and let legal strategy be led by counsel.

What Makes Bail House Bail Bonds Stand Out Compared to Other Agencies

When someone is facing a Felony allegation as serious as PC 311.1, families need more than a transaction—they need calm, clarity, and urgency.

Here’s what makes Bail House Bail Bonds stand out:

• Fast response when time matters—especially when you’re searching “Bail bond near me” in a stressful moment
• Clear communication about the Bail amount, the Bail Bond process, and what happens next
• Professional, respectful service—we understand families are scared and overwhelmed
• Step-by-step guidance so you know exactly what information is needed after an Arrest
• Support focused on compliance, helping clients understand release responsibilities and court expectations

If you need a Bail Bondsman in the Tahoe City area and want a straightforward, supportive approach, Bail House Bail Bonds is ready to help.