An arrest for California Penal Code 243(c) can escalate quickly—especially when the alleged victim is a Police Officer, Peace Officer, Firefighter, or other First responder. In Nevada City California and across Nevada County, cases involving alleged battery on law enforcement or emergency personnel are treated as high-priority because courts view these incidents through a public-safety lens.
This blog explains what PC 243(c) covers, what makes it a potential felony, what penalties may apply, what to expect after an arrest involving the Nevada County Sheriff, and how a Bail Bondsman and Bailbond (including Bail House Bail Bonds) can help when bail is available.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. If you’re facing charges, consult a qualified California criminal defense attorney immediately.
Penal Code 243 is part of California’s battery laws, and it increases penalties when the alleged victim is a protected professional and the incident results in an injury.
Two related sections help frame PC 243(c):
PC 243(b) covers battery against certain protected professionals (including peace officers and firefighters, among others) while they’re engaged in duties, when the defendant knows or reasonably should know who they are. FindLaw Codes+1
PC 243(c) is the more serious portion that applies when an injury is inflicted on certain protected professionals—this is where “PC 243(c) felony” commonly comes up. domesticviolencedefense.com
For PC 243(c) purposes, the statute defines “injury” as any physical injury that requires professional medical treatment. domesticviolencedefense.com
That definition is important because many cases hinge on the medical-treatment question. Sometimes the dispute isn’t whether force occurred—it’s whether the injury required professional medical care.
When people say “PC 243(c) felony,” they usually mean one of these two:
PC 243(c)(1) applies when a battery is committed against certain protected professionals (including a Firefighter and others listed in the statute) while the victim is engaged in duties, the defendant knew or reasonably should have known who the victim was, and an injury is inflicted. domesticviolencedefense.com
Potential penalties: PC 243(c)(1) can be punished as:
a misdemeanor (up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $2,000), or
a felony with custody under Penal Code 1170(h) for 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years. domesticviolencedefense.com
PC 243(c)(2) applies when the battery-with-injury is committed against a Peace Officer (often what people mean by Police Officer) engaged in duties, and the defendant knew or reasonably should have known the victim was a peace officer. Law Offices of Michael P. Kade, APLC+1
Potential penalties: PC 243(c)(2) provides for:
a fine up to $10,000, and
county jail up to 1 year or felony sentencing under Penal Code 1170(h) for 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years, or both fine and imprisonment. Law Offices of Michael P. Kade, APLC+1
Bottom line: PC 243(c) is commonly described as a “wobbler,” meaning it can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts and the prosecutor’s charging decision.
Every case is unique, but most PC 243(c) cases revolve around these core issues:
A battery occurred
Battery generally means a willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon another person (often interpreted broadly as unlawful touching). FindLaw Codes+1
The alleged victim is a protected professional
The statute lists categories that include Peace Officer, Firefighter, and other first responder roles depending on the subsection. Law Offices of Michael P. Kade, APLC+1
The victim was engaged in the performance of duties
These protections are tied to the victim’s duties (and in some circumstances, the statute specifies “on or off duty” language). Law Offices of Michael P. Kade, APLC+1
Knowledge (or “should have known”)
The prosecution typically must show the defendant knew or reasonably should have known the victim’s status (e.g., peace officer engaged in duties). Law Offices of Michael P. Kade, APLC+1
Injury requiring professional medical treatment
This is often the flashpoint in PC 243(c) cases. domesticviolencedefense.com
From a court’s perspective, battery allegations involving law enforcement or first responders raise immediate concerns about:
public safety and escalation risk,
interference with emergency response,
and whether release should include strict conditions.
That can influence early decisions like bail, protective orders, and no-contact conditions—especially if the case is being filed as a felony.
If someone is arrested for PC 243(c) in Nevada City California, the first 24 hours are usually the most stressful. Families often need to answer three questions fast: Where are they? What are they charged with? Is bail set?
Nevada County’s primary jail facility is the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility in Nevada City. Nevada County lists the facility at 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959, with phone 530-265-1291. Nevada County+1
Nevada County provides a “Search for an Incarcerated Person” resource and notes that custody information can be checked via the incarcerated person visitation list for the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility. Nevada County+1
Nevada County also publishes an “Inmates in Custody” reporting page showing current custody status and visiting notes. reports.nevcounty.net
Practical tip: If you’re trying to confirm custody quickly, start with Nevada County’s official custody search/reporting tools rather than relying on unofficial directory sites. Nevada County+1
If bail is set, families typically have two options:
This means paying the full bail amount to the court (or through the court’s approved process). If the defendant appears as required, bail is typically eligible for return later—subject to court rules, fees, and timelines.
A Bailbond is commonly used when bail is too high to pay in full. A Bail Bondsman posts a surety bond that guarantees the bail to the court, and the family pays a premium rather than paying the entire bail amount upfront.
For PC 243(c) cases—especially those involving a Peace Officer / Police Officer, Firefighter, or other First responder—families often choose a bail bond because time matters and the process can feel overwhelming.
If someone is released after a PC 243(c) arrest, the court may impose conditions such as:
no-contact orders (especially if there are witnesses involved),
stay-away orders from certain locations,
restrictions related to alcohol or other alleged contributing factors (case-specific),
and strict requirements to appear at all hearings.
Violating release conditions can lead to re-arrest and worse outcomes—including higher bail the next time around.
Here’s a calm, practical checklist:
Confirm custody location and booking status
Nevada County’s official custody search tools and jail facility information are the quickest starting points. Nevada County+1
Find out if bail is set (and whether there are holds)
Some cases have holds or conditions that delay release even when bail exists.
Get a criminal defense attorney involved early
Early steps matter—especially when the case could be filed as a felony.
If bail is set, contact a Bail Bondsman
A reputable bondsman can explain the Bailbond process, what documents are needed, and what to expect next.
PC 243(c) increases penalties for battery when the alleged victim is a protected professional (like a peace officer or firefighter) and an injury is inflicted—where “injury” means a physical injury requiring professional medical treatment. domesticviolencedefense.com
PC 243(c)(1) and PC 243(c)(2) can be filed as wobblers. When punished as a felony, the custody range is commonly 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years under Penal Code 1170(h) (depending on the subsection and circumstances). Law Offices of Michael P. Kade, APLC+1
Yes. PC 243(c)(1) includes Firefighter and other protected first responder roles listed in the statute, when the victim is engaged in duties and an injury is inflicted. domesticviolencedefense.com
PC 243(c)(2) applies when the battery-with-injury is committed against a peace officer engaged in duties and allows a fine up to $10,000 plus jail/prison exposure up to 3 years depending on how it’s filed and sentenced. Law Offices of Michael P. Kade, APLC+1
Nevada County’s jail facility is the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility in Nevada City (listed at 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959, phone 530-265-1291). Nevada County+1
When a loved one is arrested for a potential felony like PC 243(c), families don’t just need “bail.” They need clarity, speed, and professional discretion—because cases involving law enforcement and first responders can feel high-pressure and intimidating.
Here’s what sets Bail House Bail Bonds apart compared to many other agencies in the area:
Straightforward communication: You get the Bailbond process explained in plain language—no confusing jargon, no runaround.
Fast response when time matters: Arrests don’t happen on a schedule. You need help when it’s actually happening.
Local familiarity with Nevada County custody logistics: Knowing the flow around Nevada City and the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility helps reduce delays and uncertainty. Nevada County+1
Confidential, respectful service: Cases involving a Peace Officer, Police Officer, or other first responder can be sensitive—discretion matters.
Step-by-step support: From confirming custody status to helping families understand what happens next, Bail House Bail Bonds focuses on making a chaotic moment manageable.
If you need a Bailbond after an arrest in Nevada City California, Bail House Bail Bonds is ready to help your family move forward with urgency and professionalism.