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.
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:
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.
PC 311.1 isn’t simply about the existence of a file or image—it’s about knowledge and intent.
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).
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.
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.
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:
After an Arrest, the person is booked, fingerprinted, photographed, and processed into the jail system. Property is logged and held.
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.
The arraignment is typically the first time charges are formally addressed in court. Conditions of release—if release is allowed—may be discussed.
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.)
If a Bail amount is set and bail is permitted, there are usually two general routes:
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).
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?
In sensitive felony cases, courts may set strict conditions of release. These can include:
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.
If you’re helping someone who was arrested for PC 311.1:
Do:
Don’t:
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.
Not always. The statute allows for different punishment ranges that can support misdemeanor or felony prosecution depending on the 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.
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.
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.
It varies by jail staffing and processing. Even after posting a Bail Bond, release can take several hours depending on the facility.
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.
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:
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.