In California, Penal Code section 273d defines corporal injury on a child as the infliction of any cruel or inhuman physical punishment on a child that results in a traumatic condition. Because physical punishment is any form of physical contact with the child that results in an injury, the type of contact can range from a serious punching or kicking to shoving or pushing a child.
Corporal injury on a child is known as a “wobbler” offense that may be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. If charged as a misdemeanor, an individual may be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, by a fine of up to $6,000, or by both imprisonment and the fine. However, when this crime is charged as a felony, a person may be punished by imprisonment in a state prison for two, four, or six years. In addition, any person, who previously committed a similar offense, is found guilty of this crime again, he or she may be subject to a four-year enhancement.
If you have been accused of corporal injury on a child, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney to vigorously represent you. At Wallin & Klarich, we have helped people accused of this crime for over 30 years. Call us today at (888) 764-2615 or visit us at our website at www.wklaw.com/corporal-injury-child. We will be there when you call.
