An Arrest for assault with a firearm is one of those charges that instantly changes the tone of everything. Even before the first court date, families in Sierra County are suddenly dealing with the Sheriff, confusing paperwork, and urgent questions: Is this a felony? What does 245(a)(2) actually mean? How serious are the penalties? Can bail be posted—and how fast can we get them home?
This blog breaks down Penal Code 245(a)(2) in plain English, what prosecutors generally have to prove, what happens after an arrest, and how bail often works in Sierra County. We’ll also explain how a Bail bond (sometimes written as bailbond) works through a licensed bail bondsman and bail agent, and we’ll end with what makes Bail House Bail Bonds stand out compared to other agencies in the surrounding area. A Q&A section is included at the end.
Important: This is general legal information—not legal advice. If you’re facing a 245(a)(2) case, consult a California criminal defense attorney immediately.
California Penal Code 245(a)(2) covers assault with a firearm. Under the statute, any person who commits an assault upon another person with a firearm can face serious criminal penalties.
This is not the same thing as “brandishing” or “having a gun near you.” The word assault has a specific legal meaning in California, and it can be charged even if no one is actually injured.
California defines assault as an unlawful attempt, coupled with a present ability, to commit a violent injury on another person.
That definition matters because it explains why prosecutors sometimes file assault charges in situations where:
When you combine that legal definition with the firearm allegation, the charge becomes assault with a firearm under 245(a)(2).
While every case is fact-specific, the prosecution typically aims to prove:
This is why 245(a)(2) cases can turn heavily on details like distance, capability, what was actually done, witness accounts, and whether the person had the present ability to carry out violent injury at that moment.
You’ll often hear people refer to 245(a)(2) Felony, and it’s true that it can be prosecuted as a felony. But the statute itself allows punishment either in state prison or in county jail, which is why prosecutors may treat it as a “wobbler” depending on the facts. The law states that assault with a firearm is punishable by:
Whether the case is filed as a felony, and what sentence exposure looks like, depends on the circumstances (including criminal history, alleged injuries, and other related charges).
In Sierra County, a 245(a)(2) case can start in many ways. Common scenarios include:
Once deputies or responding officers believe they have probable cause, an Arrest can happen quickly—sometimes even before all facts are fully sorted out.
After an Arrest, most people go through:
Because the allegation involves a firearm, courts often treat the case as high-stakes for safety and compliance reasons—meaning the bail process and release conditions can be stricter than people expect.
In Sierra County’s felony bail schedule, Penal Code 245(a)(1)(2)(4) is listed under “Assault with a Deadly Weapon or Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury” with a presumptive bail of $25,000—and this listing includes 245(a)(2).
The schedule also explains key bail mechanics that families should know:
Important: Bail can change depending on the facts, additional allegations, prior history, and court decisions. The schedule is a starting point—not a guarantee.
If bail is set and paying the full amount is unrealistic (which is common), a Bail bond—often written as bailbond—can be the fastest way to secure release.
A bail bondsman (working as a licensed bail agent) posts the bail bond as a financial guarantee to the court that the defendant will:
A bail bond doesn’t erase the case. It simply allows the person to fight the case from home instead of sitting in custody while the court process unfolds.
When someone is in custody, every day matters. Quick release can help them:
For families, getting a bail plan in place quickly often reduces panic and helps you shift into “next steps” mode.
If someone you care about is arrested for assault with a firearm in Sierra County, these are the safest, most practical moves:
Penal Code 245(a)(2) covers assault with a firearm and provides penalties that can include two, three, or four years in state prison or six months to one year in county jail, plus potential fines.
Not necessarily. California assault focuses on an unlawful attempt with present ability to commit violent injury—not on whether injury actually happened.
Sierra County’s felony bail schedule lists 245(a)(1)(2)(4) at $25,000, and this includes 245(a)(2).
Yes. Sierra County’s schedule explains bail can be modified for good cause by a magistrate, depending on the circumstances.
If bail is set, a Bail bond (bailbond) posted by a licensed bail bondsman / bail agent can help secure release without paying the full bail amount in cash—so the person can return home and prepare for court.
When a loved one is arrested, families don’t want vague answers—they want clear direction and fast action. Bail House Bail Bonds stands out because they focus on professionalism, speed, and making the process understandable during a high-stress moment.
What people value most about Bail House Bail Bonds:
If you need a reliable bail bondsman and bail agent to post a bailbond in the Sierra County region, Bail House Bail Bonds helps you move from panic to a plan.
A 245(a)(2) Felony arrest—assault with a firearm—is serious, and it can move quickly through the system once the Sheriff is involved. Understanding the basic legal definition of assault and the penalty range helps families stay grounded while they take action.
If bail is set and you need help fast, working with Bail House Bail Bonds gives you a clear path forward through a trusted bail agent and bail bondsman—so you can focus on court compliance, legal defense, and getting life stabilized.