Legal Question in Family Law in California

The difference is whether or not the circumstances were such that great bodily harm or death were a likely result at the time of the incident. If so, the crime is chargable under 273a(a) and is a felony. If the same crime occurs but not under circumstances where great bodily harm or death was likely to occur, then the crime is chargeable under 273a(b) as a misdemeanor.