Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: BOOKED WITH A 273a (a)

Here is what Penal Code section 273a(a) says:

"Any person who, under circumstances or conditions likely to produce great bodily harm or death, willfully causes or permits any child to suffer, or inflicts thereon unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, or having the care or custody of any child, willfully causes or permits the person or health of that child to be injured, or willfully causes or permits that child to be placed in a situation where his or her person or health is endangered, shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or

in the state prison for two, four, or six years."

That the drowning was accidental does not mean you are innocent. If you wilfully created the circumstances which made the accident possible -- or even if you didn't but the jury believes you did -- then you can be convicted and sent to prison.

You need a lawyer right away. If you can afford to retain someone, do so. If you can't, get a public defender. (PDs are generally very good lawyers but they generally don't have as much time for each client as would private counsel, and you want someone who can be thorough.) Don't even think of trying to represent yourself.

Good luck.