The word “likely,” as used in Penal Code section 273a, means causing a substantial danger of great bodily harm or death to a child. The defendant was convicted of two counts of felony child endangerment for involving her ten-year-old son in a residential burglary and for pushing and choking him after the burglary was completed. On appeal she argued that the evidence was not sufficient because the prosecution had not proved that her actions were likely to cause great bodily injury or death. The Court of Appeal affirmed, adopting the definition of “likely” developed by the California Supreme Court in People v. Superior Court (Ghilotti) (2002) 27 Cal.4th 888, i.e., a substantial danger or a serious and well-founded risk.
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