California Penal Code calls assault charges 240 PC. In the State of California, assault is defined as: intentionally attempting to inflict injury on someone else. Assault is typically associated with violence, but according to California Law, it doesn’t have to be.
Assault is defined as “any ‘application of force’ upon another person,” and “application of force” is described as “any harmful or offensive touching.” So basically, any number of actions could qualify as assault, regardless of whether or not those actions were violent in nature, provided those actions resulted in the unwanted touching of another person.
When someone is arrested on assault charges in Santa Clarita, they will be taken to the Santa Clarita Sheriff Station to undergo booking and processing, and then held at the on-site jail. If they are not bailed out within 72-hours, or if the jail becomes overcrowded, the inmate will likely be transferred to Twin Towers (if male) or the Lynwood Jail (if female).
Simple assault charges are usually misdemeanors that include misdemeanor probation, up to 6-months in county jail, and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
If the assault was against a law enforcement or emergency personnel (police, firefighters, EMTs, Lifeguards, etc.) then the penalties are more severe. They include up to 1-year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
