PC 136.1 Bail Bonds — Dissuading a Witness
Witness intimidation is a serious felony that prosecutors pursue aggressively. Chad Conley posts bail 24/7 across Southern California.
What Is Penal Code 136.1?
PC 136.1 makes it a crime to knowingly and maliciously prevent or dissuade a witness or victim from reporting a crime, testifying, or cooperating with law enforcement. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether force, threats, or gang involvement are present. This charge is commonly filed alongside other charges — domestic violence, assault, or gang cases — when the defendant is accused of contacting a witness or victim after arrest.
Elements of the Charge
- You attempted to prevent or dissuade a witness or victim from reporting a crime or testifying
- You acted knowingly and maliciously
- The person was a witness or victim in a criminal proceeding
- Force, threats, or gang involvement elevate the charge to a felony
Typical Bail Amounts for PC 136.1
| Charge / Scenario | Typical Bail |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor (no force or threats) | $25,000 |
| Felony (force, threats, or prior record) | $35,000–$50,000 |
| Gang-related (PC 186.22 enhancement) | $75,000+ |
| Combined with underlying charge | Varies — stacked with other bail |
Bail is set by county schedule and can be modified at arraignment. This charge is often filed alongside other charges, which affects total bail.
A bail bond costs 10% of the total bail. On a $35,000 bail, your cost is $3,500. Chad offers payment plans.
What the Family Needs to Know
PC 136.1 is often filed as an add-on charge when someone is accused of contacting a witness or victim after an arrest. Getting your loved one out quickly — before arraignment — gives them time to work with a defense attorney and avoid further contact that could result in additional charges.
Cosigning a PC 136.1 Bond
Witness intimidation charges often come with protective orders restricting contact. Here's what cosigning means:
What Cosigning Means
- You guarantee the defendant appears at all court dates
- If they fail to appear, you are responsible for the full bail amount
- The defendant must comply with any no-contact orders after release
- The 10% premium is non-refundable once the defendant is released
Why Families Choose Chad Conley
24/7 Availability
Chad answers his phone nights, weekends, and holidays — no voicemail, no call center.
Four-County Coverage
Chad posts bail in LA, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.
Payment Plans
Chad works with families on down payments and extended payment plans.
Experience With Complex Cases
Add-on charges like PC 136.1 require understanding how stacked bail works. Chad navigates it daily.
What Happens at Arraignment
At arraignment, the judge will review all charges and set conditions of release. For PC 136.1, no-contact orders are almost always imposed. Being out before arraignment gives the defendant and their attorney time to prepare and understand the full scope of the charges.
Call Chad Now — 855-BAD-CHADRelated Resources
Not legal advice. The information on this page is based on Chad Conley's 15+ years as a licensed bail bondsman, plus additional experience as an investigator and bounty hunter, and is intended to help families understand the general process. It is not legal advice, and Chad Conley is not an attorney. Every case is different. If you have legal questions about your specific situation, please consult a licensed attorney.