Penal Code 273.5 PC – Corporal Injury to a Spouse
Los Angeles Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers
Being charged with corporal injury to a spouse or intimate partner under California Penal Code 273.5 is one of the most serious domestic-violence allegations in Los Angeles County.
A conviction can result in jail or prison time, restraining orders, mandatory counseling, firearm prohibitions, immigration consequences, and permanent damage to your record.
Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases—even when injuries are minor or the alleged victim later recants. If you are under investigation or charged with PC 273.5, early legal representation is critical.
The criminal defense attorneys at the Hedding Law Firm in Los Angeles are here to help. Schedule your initial consultation at (866) 986-2092 or contact us here.
What Is Corporal Injury to a Spouse Under PC 273.5?
Penal Code 273.5 makes it a crime to willfully inflict a physical injury resulting in a “traumatic condition” on an intimate partner.
A traumatic condition means any wound or bodily injury, whether external or internal, caused by physical force. The injury does not need to be severe—even minor bruising or redness can be enough.
Protected Relationships Under PC 273.5
The alleged victim may be:
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A current or former spouse
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A boyfriend or girlfriend
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A fiancé or dating partner
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A current or former cohabitant
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The parent of your child
This statute applies only to intimate relationships, which distinguishes it from other assault or battery laws.
PC 273.5 vs. Domestic Battery (PC 243(e)(1)
A key distinction:
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PC 273.5 – Requires a physical injury causing a traumatic condition
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PC 243(e)(1) – Domestic battery involving harmful or offensive touching without injury
Because an injury is alleged, PC 273.5 is more serious and may be filed as a felony.
Can the Victim Drop the Charges?
No.
Once law enforcement makes an arrest, the District Attorney controls the case, not the alleged victim.
Even if the alleged victim:
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Changes their story
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Refuses to testify
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Requests dismissal
…the prosecutor may still proceed using:
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911 recordings
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Police testimony
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Photographs of injuries
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Medical records
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Body-camera footage
Prosecutors often assume recantation is due to pressure or fear.
What the Law Says – Penal Code 273.5 (Simplified)
A person is guilty of PC 273.5 if:
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They willfully inflicted physical force
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The force caused any traumatic condition
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The victim was an intimate partner
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The act was not justified by self-defense
The injury does not have to be serious, permanent, or visible.
What Must the Prosecutor Prove?
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:
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You willfully inflicted physical injury
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The injury caused a traumatic condition
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The victim was your intimate partner
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You were not acting in lawful self-defense or defense of others
If the prosecutor alleges great bodily injury, sentencing enhancements may apply—and the case may become a “strike” offense.
PC 273.5 Is a “Wobbler” Offense
Prosecutors may file PC 273.5 as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on:
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Severity of injuries
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Prior criminal history
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Alleged use of force
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Whether children were present
Misdemeanor Penalties
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Up to 1 year in county jail
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Fine up to $6,000
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Summary probation
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Restraining order
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Mandatory DV counseling
Felony Penalties
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2, 3, or 4 years in state prison
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Fine up to $6,000
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Formal probation or prison
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Long-term restraining orders
Additional Consequences of a PC 273.5 Conviction
A conviction often includes:
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Firearm prohibition
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Immigration consequences (deportable offense)
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Professional-license impact (crime of moral turpitude)
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Probation conditions with jail exposure for violations
Common Probation Conditions
If sentenced to probation, courts commonly require:
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Completion of a 52-week batterer's treatment program
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Counseling reimbursement
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Payments to victim-support organizations
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No contact with the alleged victim
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Compliance reviews
Violating probation can result in immediate jail time.
Common Defenses to PC 273.5 Charges
Every case is unique, but common defenses include:
Self-Defense
You had a reasonable belief you were in imminent danger and used only necessary force.
False Allegations
Domestic disputes, jealousy, custody issues, or retaliation can lead to false or exaggerated claims.
Accident
PC 273.5 requires willful conduct. Accidental injuries do not qualify.
Insufficient Evidence
Inconsistencies in statements, lack of medical proof, or unreliable witness testimony can undermine the case.
Injury Not Caused by You
Injuries may have occurred earlier, accidentally, or through unrelated causes.
Related Charges Often Filed With PC 273.5
Prosecutors frequently add or substitute charges, including:
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PC 243(e)(1) – Domestic battery
California Penal Code 29825 PC criminalizes possessing a firearm while subject to restraining orders.
Each carries separate penalties and defense strategies.
Why Early Legal Defense Matters
Domestic-violence cases move fast. Early intervention may:
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Prevent charges from being filed
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Secure a City Attorney hearing
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Reduce felony charges to misdemeanors
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Limit restraining-order impact
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Preserve evidence before it disappears
Waiting can severely limit your options.
Speak With a Los Angeles PC 273.5 Defense Lawyer
If you are accused of corporal injury to a spouse under Penal Code 273.5, do not speak with police or prosecutors without counsel.
Hedding Law Firm has decades of experience defending domestic-violence cases throughout Los Angeles County, including complex jury trials and pre-filing resolutions.
📞 Call 866-986-2092 now for a confidential consultation and immediate legal guidance.
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