What is the Crime of Mayhem?

The crime of “mayhem” is defined in California Penal Code § 203 PC as the act of unlawfully or maliciously attacking another person in a way that causes disfigurement or disability. A conviction is a felony punishable by up to 8 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 

We often think of mayhem as a deliberate disfigurement done in a sick and cruel manner. However this has also been charged in cases involving self-defense when the victim who fought back inflicts serious injury on the attacker. Mayhem is a very serious crime and if you are charged with a violation of PC 203 you will need expert legal advice.