Bail Bonds for PC 273.5 — Domestic Violence Charges
PC 273.5 is the most commonly charged domestic violence felony in California. Bail is set at $50,000 to $100,000 at booking — and a judge can raise it at arraignment. Call 855-BAD-CHAD the moment someone is arrested. We post bail 24/7.
What Is PC 273.5?
California Penal Code 273.5 makes it a felony to willfully inflict corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a spouse, cohabitant, former spouse, or the parent of your child. A 'traumatic condition' can be as minor as a bruise, scratch, or redness — it does not require serious injury. PC 273.5 is the single most common domestic violence charge in California and is almost always filed as a felony, not a misdemeanor. If visible injury is documented at booking, the bail schedule immediately sets bail at $50,000. If there are prior domestic violence convictions or the injury is severe, bail can escalate to $100,000 or higher.
Elements of the Charge
- Willful infliction of physical injury
- Upon a spouse, cohabitant, or co-parent
- Resulting in a traumatic condition (any visible injury)
PC 273.5 Bail Amounts in Southern California
| Scenario | Bail Amount |
|---|---|
| First offense, visible injury documented | $50,000 |
| Severe injury or great bodily injury allegation | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Prior DV conviction within 7 years | $100,000+ |
| Weapon used during the incident | $100,000+ |
| Violation of existing protective order | $100,000+ |
Bail amounts are set by the county bail schedule and may be modified by a judge at arraignment. Most of Chad's bonds are written at 6%, 7% or 8%. Smaller bonds, under $20,000, can be up to 10% because of posting fees.
Your cost for a bail bond on a $50,000 bail is $5,000. On a $100,000 bail, your cost is $10,000.
Emergency Protective Orders in PC 273.5 Cases
In virtually every PC 273.5 arrest, the arresting officer will issue an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) on the spot — before the defendant even reaches the jail. This EPO prohibits any contact with the alleged victim and typically lasts 5–7 days. At arraignment, the judge will almost always convert it to a Criminal Protective Order (CPO) lasting the duration of the case — often years. Violating a protective order while out on bail is a separate felony charge (PC 273.6) and will result in immediate re-arrest and bail revocation. We counsel every client on these restrictions before posting bail.
PC 273.5 Arraignment — Why You Must Act Fast
In domestic violence cases, prosecutors routinely ask judges to raise bail at arraignment — especially if the alleged victim is present or has submitted a statement. A $50,000 bail set at booking can become $100,000 or higher within 48 hours. Posting bail before arraignment locks in the lower booking bail and gets your loved one out before the judge has a chance to increase it. We post bail at the IRC, Men's Central Jail, and all Inland Empire and Orange County facilities 24/7. Call us immediately — every hour matters in a PC 273.5 case.
How to Post Bail on a PC 273.5 Charge
Call 855-BAD-CHAD Immediately
Don't wait for arraignment. Call us the moment someone is arrested for PC 273.5. We'll look up the booking, confirm the bail amount, and start the process right away.
We Verify the Booking & Bail
We search the county inmate database, confirm the exact bail amount, and explain your options — including payment plans — all in the first phone call.
Sign From Your Phone — No Printer
All paperwork is handled electronically. Sign from your phone at home. No office visit, no printer, no fax required.
Bond Posted — They're Released
We post the bond at the facility. They're released and can attend their court date as a free person — not transported from jail in a jumpsuit.
Related Resource
Corporal injury charges frequently lead to CPS involvement and emergency custody orders. Getting out on bail quickly can be critical to protecting your parental rights.
Arrested for PC 273.5? Call Us Now.
We post bail for domestic violence charges at all Southern California jails 24/7. Lock in the booking bail before arraignment raises it.
Call 855-BAD-CHADHablamos Español — (909) 657-6030
Not legal advice. The information on this page is based on Chad Conley's 15+ years as a licensed bail bondsman, plus additional experience as an investigator and bounty hunter and is intended to help families understand the general process. It is not legal advice, and Chad Conley is not an attorney. Every case is different. If you have legal questions about your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney.