The California Penal Code is the primary set of statutes that define criminal offenses and criminal procedures under state law. The Penal Code was enacted in 1872 and has been substantially revised and amended since that time.
Although penal code sections provide the formal definition of a criminal offense, court case law, legislative history, and jury instructions offer further guidance as to how particular sections apply.
Below, our criminal defense attorneys offer an in-depth legal analysis of the most significant penal code sections:
Penal Code 17b PC | Motion to Reduce Felony to a Misdemeanor
Penal Code 18.5 PC | Misdemeanor Sentences
Penal Code 19 PC | Punishment for Misdemeanor
Penal Code 31 PC | Aiding and Abetting
Penal Code 32 PC | Accessory After the Fact
Penal Code 67 PC | Bribery of Public Employees
Penal Code 68 PC | Bribery by Public Employees
Penal Code 69 PC | Resisting an Executive Officer
Penal Code 71 PC | Threatening Public Officers/Employees and School Officers/Employees
Penal Code 76 PC | Threatening Public Officials
Penal Code 85 PC | Bribery of Elected Legislators
Penal Code 86 PC | Bribery by Elected Legislators
Penal Code 92 PC | Bribery of Judges or Jurors
Penal Code 93 PC | Bribery by Judges or Jurors
Penal Code 95 | Improper Influence of a Juror
Penal Code 115 PC | Forging Deeds
Penal Code 118.1 PC | Police Officers Issuing False Reports
Penal Code 132 PC | Offering False Evidence
Penal Code 134 PC | Preparing False Evidence
Penal Code 135 PC | Destroying or Concealing Evidence
Penal Code 136.1 PC | Dissuading a Witness or Victim
Penal Code 137 PC | Bribery of Witnesses
Penal Code 138 PC | Bribery – Witness Taking a Bribe
Penal Code 141 PC | Planting or Tampering With Evidence
Penal Code 147 PC | Inhumanity to Prisoners by Officers
Penal Code 148 PC | Resisting Arrest
Penal Code 148d | Taking an Officer’s Firearm
Penal Code 148g PC | Recording Public Officers
Penal Code 148.3 PC | False Report of an Emergency
Penal Code 148.4 PC | False Report of a Fire
Penal Code 148.5 PC | False Report of a Crime
Penal Code 148.9 PC | False Representation of Identity to a Police Officer
Penal Code 149 PC | Other Offenses Against Public Justice
Penal Code 152 PC | Concealing an Accidental Death
Penal Code 153 PC | Compounding a Crime
Penal Code 154 PC | Fraudulent Conveyance by a Debtor
Penal Code 155 PC | Fraudulent Conveyance by a Judgment Debtor
Penal Code 165 PC | Bribery of County Supervisors
Penal Code 166 PC | California “Contempt of Court” Laws
Penal Code 166.5 PC | Suspension of Child and Spousal Support Proceedings
Penal Code 169 PC | Picketing Outside Courthouse
Penal Code 171 PC | Bringing Weapons into Public Buildings
Penal Code 171.5(b) | Bringing a Weapon to an Airport
Penal Code 171.7 | Weapons at Public Transit Facilities
Penal Code 182 PC | Conspiracy
Penal Code 185 PC | Wearing a Mask or Disguise to Evade Police
Penal Code 186 PC | Criminal Profiteering
Penal Code 186.10 PC | Money Laundering
Penal Code 186.11 PC | White Collar Crime Sentencing Enhancement
Penal Code 186.22 PC | Gang Enhancements
Penal Code 189 PC | Degrees of Murder
Penal Code 191 PC | Petit Treason Abolished
Penal Code 191.5(a) PC | Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated
Penal Code 191.5(b) PC | Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated
Penal Code 192(a) PC | Voluntary Manslaughter
Penal Code 192(b) PC | Involuntary Manslaughter
Penal Code 192(c) PC | Vehicular Manslaughter
Penal Code 193 | Punishment for Manslaughter
Penal Code 193.8(a) PC | Furnishing a Motor to a Minor
Penal Code 195 PC | Excusable Homicide
Penal Code 196 PC | Justifiable Homicide by Peace Officers
Penal Code 197 PC | Justifiable Homicide by Other Person
Penal Code 198 PC | Self-defense Killings
Penal Code 198.5 PC | Castle Doctrine
Penal Code 205 PC | Aggravated Mayhem
Penal Code 207 PC | Kidnapping
Penal Code 208b PC | Kidnapping a Minor Child Under 14
Penal Code 209 PC | Kidnapping for Ransom
Penal Code 209.5 PC | Kidnapping During a Carjacking
Penal Code 210 PC | Extortion by Posing as a Kidnapper
Penal Code 210.5 PC | False Imprisonment of a Hostage to Avoid Arrest
Penal Code 212 PC | The Element of “Fear” in Robbery Cases
Penal Code 212.5 PC | First-Degree Robbery
Penal Code 213 | Punishment for Robbery
Penal Code 214 PC | Train Robbery
Penal Code 215 PC | Carjacking
Penal Code 217.1 PC | Assault on a Public Official
Penal Code 218 PC | Train Wrecking
Penal Code 220 PC | Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony
Penal Code 222 PC | Administering Drugs to Commit Felony
Penal Code 236 PC | False Imprisonment
Penal Code 236.1 PC | Human Trafficking
Penal Code 237 PC | Punishment for False Imprisonment
Penal Code 241 | Assault on a Police Officer
Penal Code 241.6 | Assault on a School Employee
Penal Code 243 PC | Penalties for Battery
Penal Code 243b / 243c PC | Battery on a Peace Officer
Penal Code 243(c)(2) | Battery on a Police Officer
Penal Code 243(d) PC | Battery With Serious Bodily Injury
Penal Code 243(e)(1) PC | Domestic Battery / Spousal Battery
Penal Code 243.1 PC – Battery on a Custodial Officer
Penal Code 243.4 PC | Sexual Battery
Penal Code 243.6 PC | Battery on a School Employee
Penal Code 244 PC | Assault with Caustic Chemicals
Penal Code 244.5 PC | Assault with a Stun Gun
Penal Code 245(a)(1) PC | Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW)
Penal Code 245(a)(2) PC | Assault with a Firearm
Penal Code 245(a)(4) PC | Assault by Means Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury
Penal Code 245(c) | Assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer
Penal Code 245.5 PC | Assault on a School Employee
Penal Code 246 PC | Shooting at Inhabited Dwelling or Occupied Vehicle
Penal Code 246.3 PC | Negligent Discharge of a Firearm
Penal Code 247a PC | Firing at Unoccupied Aircraft
Penal Code 247b PC | Shooting at an Unoccupied Vehicle or Building
Penal Code 247.5 PC | Pointing a Laser at an Aircraft
Penal Code 248 PC | Shining Light at Aircraft to Interfere with Operations
Penal Code 261.5 PC | Statutory Rape
Penal Code 262 PC | Spousal Rape
Penal Code 264 PC | Punishment for Rape
Penal Code 264.1 PC | (Gang) Rape in Concert
Penal Code 266 PC | Enticing a Child to Prostitution
Penal Code 267 PC | Abducting a Minor for Prostitution
Penal Code 269 PC | Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
Penal Code 270 PC | Failure to Provide Care (Child Neglect)
Penal Code 270.1(a) PC | Failure to Enforce a Child’s School Attendance
Penal Code 272 PC | Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
Penal Code 273(a) PC | Child Endangerment
Penal Code 273(d) PC | Child Abuse
Penal Code 273(g) PC | Lewdness or Intoxication in the Presence of a Child
Penal Code 273.5 PC | Domestic Violence Body Injury
Penal Code 273.6 PC | Violating a Restraining Order
Penal Code 278 PC | Child Abduction
Penal Code 278.5 PC | Deprivation of Child Custody or Visitation
Penal Code 284 PC | Marrying the Husband or Wife of Another
Penal Code 287 PC | Oral Copulation with a Minor Child
Penal Code 288 PC | Lewd Acts with a Child Under 14
Penal Code 288a PC | Oral Copulation with a Child
Penal Code 288b1 PC | Lewd Acts with a Child Using Force or Fear
Penal Code 288b2 PC | Lewd Acts by a Caregiver on a Dependent Person
Penal Code 288.1 PC | Mental Health Evaluations in Sex Offender Cases
Penal Code 288.2 PC | Sending Harmful Matter of Intent With Seducing Minor
Penal Code 288.3 PC | Contacting a Minor to Commit a Felony
Penal Code 288.4 PC | Arranging a Meeting with a Minor for Lewd Purposes
Penal Code 288.5 PC | Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child
Penal Code 288.7 PC | Sexual Acts with a Child Under 10
Penal Code 288i PC | Lewd Acts with a Child Causing Bodily Harm
Penal Code 289 PC | Forcible Acts of Sexual Penetration with a Foreign Object
Penal Code 289.6 PC | Sex with an Inmate
Penal Code 290 PC | Failure to Register as a Sex Offender
Penal Code 302 PC | Disturbing a Religious Meeting
Penal Code 303a | Loitering to Solicit the Purchase of Alcohol
Penal Code 311 PC | Child Pornography
Penal Code 311.11 | Possession of Child Pornography
Penal Code 311.2 | Production, Exhibition, or Distribution of Obscene Matter
Penal Code 314 PC | Indecent Exposure
Penal Code 315 PC | Keeping a Brothel
Penal Code 332 PC | Obtaining Property Through Gambling Fraud
Penal Code 337a PC | Bookmaking/Pool-Selling/Wagering
Penal Code 347 PC | Poisoning Food, Medicine or Water Supply
Penal Code 350 PC | Manufacture or Sale of Counterfeit Marks
Penal Code 365.7 PC | Service Dog Fraud
Penal Code 368 PC | Elder Abuse
Penal Code 372 PC | Creating or Maintaining a Public Nuisance
Penal Code 373a PC | Maintaining or Permitting a Public Nuisance after Abatement Notice
Penal Code 374.3 PC | Illegal Waste Dumping
Penal Code 381b PC | Possession of / Under the Influence of Nitrous Oxide
Penal Code 396 | Price Gouging
Penal Code 398 PC | Owner’s Responsibilities After a Dog Bite
Penal Code 399 PC | Failing to Control a Dangerous Animal
Penal Code 399.5 PC | Owning Dogs Trained to Attack, Kill or Fight
Penal Code 401 PC | Aiding a Suicide
Penal Code 402(a) PC | Sightseeing at the Scene of an Emergency
Penal Code 402(b) PC | Abandoning an Appliance or Refridgerator without Removing the Door
Penal Code 403 PC | Disturbing a Meeting
Penal Code 404.6 PC | Inciting a Riot
Penal Code 405 PC | Rioting Penalties
Penal Code 405a | Taking Prisoner by Means of a Riot
Penal Code 407 PC | Unlawful Assembly
Penal Code 408 PC | Unlawful Assembly
Penal Code 409 PC | Failure to Disperse at a Riot
Penal Code 409.5 PC | Unauthorized Entry into a Closed Emergency Area
Penal Code 415 PC | Disturbing the Peace
Penal Code 415.5 PC | Disturbing the Peace at Schools
Penal Code 416 PC | Failure to Disperse
Penal Code 417 PC | Drawing, Exhibiting or Using (Brandishing) a Firearm or Weapon
Penal Code 417.25 PC | Aiming or Pointing a Laser Scope
Penal Code 417.4 PC | Brandishing an Imitation Firearm
Penal Code 417.6 PC | Brandishing a Firearm with Serious Bodily Injury
Penal Code 422 PC | Criminal Threats (Formerly called Terrorist Threats)
Penal Code 422.55 PC | Hate Crime Definition
Penal Code 422.6 PC | Commission of a Hate Crime
Penal Code 422.7 PC | Hate Crimes Misdemeanor Sentencing Enhancement
Penal Code 422.75 PC | Hate Crimes Felony Sentencing Enhancement
Penal Code 424 PC | Misappropriation of Public Funds
Penal Code 452 PC | Reckless Burning
Penal Code 459.5 PC | Shoplifting
Penal Code 460 PC | First-Degree Residential Burglary
Penal Code 464 PC | Burglary of a Safe or Vault / Burglary with Explosives
Penal Code 466 PC | Possession of Burglary Tools
Penal Code 469 PC | Unauthorized Duplication of Key to State Building
Penal Code 470a PC | Forging Counterfeiting or Drivers Licenses or ID Cards
Penal Code 470b PC | Possession of a Fake Drivers License or ID Card
Penal Code 472 PC | Forgery or Counterfeit of a Public or Corporate Seal
Penal Code 473 PC | Punishment for Forgery
Penal Code 475 PC | Possession of Counterfeit Items
Penal Code 476 PC | Check Fraud
Penal Code 476a PC | Bad Checks
Penal Code 484 PC | Petty Theft
Penal Code 484e PC | Stealing Credit Cards
Penal Code 484f PC | Forging Credit Card Information
Penal Code 484g PC | Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card
Penal Code 484h PC | Credit Card Fraud by Retailers
Penal Code 484i PC | Counterfeiting Credit Cards
Penal Code 484j PC | Publishing Credit Card Information
Penal Code 485 PC | Appropriation of Lost Property
Penal Code 487 PC | Grand Theft
Penal Code 487(c) | Grand Theft Person
Penal Code 487(d)(1) PC | Grand Theft Auto (GTA)
Penal Code 487(d)(2) PC | Grand Theft Firearm
Penal Code 488 PC | Petty Theft Defined
Penal Code 490.2 PC | Petty Theft
Penal Code 490.4 PC | Organized Retail Theft
Penal Code 490.5 PC | Civil Demand Letters for Shoplifting
Penal Code 496 PC | Receiving Stolen Property
Penal Code 496d | Receiving a Stolen Vehicle
Penal Code 499b PC | Joyriding of a Bike or Vessel
Penal Code 499c PC | Theft of Trade Secrets
Penal Code 502 PC | Unauthorized Access to a Computer
Penal Code 503 PC | Embezzlement
Penal Code 504 PC | Embezzlement by a Public Officer
Penal Code 519 | Definition of Fear in Crime of extortion
Penal Code 522 PC | Obtaining a Signature by Extortion
Penal Code 523 PC | Extortion by Means of a Threatening Letter
Penal Code 524 PC | Attempted Extortion
Penal Code 526 PC | Extortion by a Fake Court Order
Penal Code 527 PC | Crimes Involving Fake Court Orders
Penal Code 529 PC | False Personation
Penal Code 529.5 PC | Possessing, Making, Selling Fake Government-issued IDs
Penal Code 530.5 PC | Identity Theft
Penal Code 530.5(e) PC | Mail Theft
Penal Code 531 PC | Party to a Fraudulent Conveyance
Penal Code 532 PC | False Pretenses
Penal Code 537 PC | Defrauding an Innkeeper
Penal Code 538d PC | Impersonating a Peace Officer
Penal Code 548 PC | Fraudulent Insurance Claim of Damage or Theft
Penal Code 549 PC | Referrals to Auto Repair Shops for Fraud
Penal Code 550 PC | Submitting Fraudulent Insurance Claims
Penal Code 551 PC | Unlawful Referral to an Auto Repair Dealer
Penal Code 555 PC – Trespass on Posted Property
Penal Code 587 PC | Damaging Railroad Tracks
Penal Code 591 PC | Damaging Phone, Electrical or Utility Lines
Penal Code 591.5 PC | Damaging a Communication Device with Intent to Prevent Help
Penal Code 594.3 PC | Vandalism of a Place of Worship
Penal Code 596 PC | Animal Poisoning
Penal Code 597 PC | Animal Abuse
Penal Code 597.5 PC | Dogfighting
Penal Code 597.7 PC | Leaving a Pet Unattended in a Car
Penal Code 597(b) PC | Cockfighting
Penal Code 601 PC | Aggravated Trespass
Penal Code 602 PC | Trespassing
Penal Code 602.1 PC | Obstructing a Public Business Establishment
Penal Code 602.5 PC | Aggravated Trespass
Penal Code 602.9 | Renting Without Owner’s Consent
Penal Code 626.9 PC | California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act
Penal Code 626.10 PC | Weapons on School Grounds
Penal Code 631 PC | Wiretapping
Penal Code 632 PC | Eavesdropping
Penal Code 641.3 PC | Commercial Bribery
Penal Code 646.9 PC | Stalking
Penal Code 647(a) PC | Engaging in Lewd Conduct
Penal Code 647(b) PC | Engaging in Prostitution
Penal Code 647(c) | Aggressive Panhandling
Penal Code 647(f) PC | Drunk in Public
Penal Code 647(h) | Loitering to Commit a Crime
Penal Code 647(i) PC | Peeking while Loitering
Penal Code 647(j) PC | Invasion of Privacy
Penal Code 647(j)(4) PC | “Revenge Porn”
Penal Code 647.6 PC | Annoying or Molesting a Child under 18
Penal Code 648 PC | Issuing or circulating paper money.
Penal Code 653 PC | Tattooing a Minor
Penal Code 653.22 PC | Loitering With Intent to Commit Prostitution (repealed)
Penal Code 653.23 PC | Aiding or Supervising a Prostitute
Penal Code 653b PC | Loitering at a School
Penal Code 653f PC | Soliciting Someone to Commit a Crime
Penal Code 653m PC | Annoying Phone Calls
Penal Code 653x PC | Misusing 911 to Harass
Penal Code 653y PC | Misusing 911
Penal Code 653.2 PC | Posting Harmful Information on the Internet
Penal Code 654 PC | Multiple Punishments for the Same Act
Penal Code 664 PC | Attempted Crimes
Penal Code 664-187 PC | Attempted Murder
Penal Code 666 PC | Petty Theft with a Prior
Penal Code 666.5 PC | Auto Theft with a Prior
Penal Code 667 | Three Strikes Law
Penal Code 667.5(c) PC | “Violent” Felonies
Penal Code 667.61 PC | California’s “One Strike” Law
Penal Code 667.71 PC | Habitual Sexual Offenders
Penal Code 800 | Statute of Limitations for Crimes carrying 8 Years in Prison
Penal Code 801 | Statute of Limitations for Felonies
Penal Code 801.1 PC | Statute of Limitations for Specified Sex Crimes
Penal Code 802 PC | Statute of Limitations for Misdemeanors
Penal Code 804 | The Beginning of Prosecution
Penal Code 830.1 | Persons who are peace officers; Extent of authority
Penal Code 830.3 | Investigators and Inspectors as Peace Officers
Penal Code 830.5 | Probation and Parole Officers
Penal Code 832 | Training Course for Peace Officers
Penal Code 835 | Reasonable Restraint During Arrests
Penal Code 837 | Citizen’s Arrests
Penal Code 849b | Warrantless Arrests and Release from Custody
Penal Code 851.8 PC – Petition for Factual Innocence
Penal Code 851.87 PC | Seal and Destroy Arrest Records
Penal Code 851.91 PC | Sealing Arrest Records
Penal Code 853.6 PC | Notice to Appear in Misdemeanor Cases
Penal Code 853.7 PC | Violating a Written Promise to Appear
Penal Code 853.8 | Failure to Appear after Written Promise to Appear
Penal Code 991 | Probable Cause Hearing in a Misdemeanor Case
Penal Code 977 PC | Waiver of Presence for Misdemeanor Cases
Penal Code 978.5 PC | Bench Warrants
Penal Code 995 PC | Motion to Dismiss
Penal Code 1000 PC | Alternative Sentencing Drug Diversion Program
Penal Code 1001.36 PC | Mental Health Diversion
Penal Code 1001.80 PC | Military Diversion for PTSD / Mental Health
Penl Code 1050 PC | Motion for Continuance
Penal Code 1118 | Motion for New Trial
Penal Code 1170 | Felony Sentencing
Penal Code 1170.9 PC | Veterans Treatment in Lieu of Jail
Penal Code 1181 PC | Motion for a New Trial
Penal Code 1192.7(c) PC | “Serious” Felonies
Penal Code 1203.2 PC | Probation Violations
Penal Code 1203.4 PC | Expungement of Criminal Convictions
Penal Code 1203.4a PC | Expungement of Infractions and Non-probation Misdemeanors
Penal Code 1214 PC | Restitution & Civil Judgement
Penal Code 1214.1 PC | Fine for Failure to Appear
Penal Code 1320 & 1320.5 PC | Failure to Appear
Penal Code 1368 PC | Competency to Stand Trial
Penal Code 1377 PC | Civil Compromise
Penal Code 1382 | Speedy Trial Rules
Penal Code 1385 | Dismissing Charges and Enhancements
Penal Code 1531 | Force Entry after Knock and Announce
Penal Code 1538.5 PC | Motion to Suppress Evidence
Penal Code 3056 PC | Custody While Awaiting Parole Revocation Hearing
Penal Code 3455 PC | Post Release Community Supervision
Penal Code 4450 PC | Rescuing a Prisoner
Penal Code 4502 PC | Possession or Manufacture of Weapons in Jail or Prison
Penal Code 4530 PC | Escape from State Prison
Penal Code 4532 PC | Escape from Custody
Penal Code 4570 PC | Communicating with an Inmate
Penal Code 4573 PC | Bringing Narcotics into a Correction Facility
Penal Code 4573.5 PC | Bringing Contraband into a Correctional Facility
Penal Code 4573.6 PC | Possessing Drugs in a Correctional Facility
Penal Code 4574 PC | Unlawful Bringing of Firearms into Prison or Jail
Penal Code 4600 | Damaging Jail or Prison Property
Penal Code 4800 PC | Commutation of Sentence
Penal Code 4852 PC | Procedures for Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon
Penal Code 11418 PC | Weapons of Mass Destruction
Penal Code 12020 | Generally Prohibited Weapons
Penal Code PC 12022 PC | Personal Use of a Firearm
Penal Code 12022.1 PC | Committing a Felony While on Bail
Penal Code 12022.2 PC | Felony Using Armor Piercing Ammunition
Penal Code 12022.3 PC | Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Sex Crime
Penal Code 12022.4 PC | Aiding or Abetting a Felony Using a Firearm
Penal Code 12022.5 PC | Use of a Firearm During Commission of a Felony
Penal Code 12022.53 PC | 10-20-Life Sentencing Enhancement
Penal Code 12022.55 PC | Sentencing Enhancement for Shooting from a Vehicle
Penal Code 12202.7 PC | Great Bodily Injury
Penal Code 13700 | Domestic Violence Definition
Penal Code 13730 | Domestic Violence reports
Penal Code 16470| Dirks and Daggers
Penal Code 16520 PC | Definition of a Firearm
Penal Code 16590 PC | Manufacture, Sale, or Possession of Dangerous Weapons
Penal Code 17235 | Definition of a Switchblade
Penal Code 17500 PC | Possession of a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Assault
Penal Code 17730 PC | Wallet Guns
Penal Code 18710 PC | Possession of a Destructive Device or Explosives
Penal Code 18715 PC | Possession in public or private place or on common carrier vehicle
Penal Code 18720 PC | Possession of Destructive Device Materials
Penal Code 18740 PC | Possession, explosion, or igniting, with intent to injure or intimidate
Penal Code 20170 PC | Imitation Firearms
Penal Code 20310 PC | Air Gauge Knives
Penal Code 20410 PC | Belt Buckle Knives
Penal Code 20510 PC | Cane Swords
Penal Code 20610 PC | Lipstick Case Knives
Penal Code 20710 PC | Shobi-Zeus
Penal Code 20910 PC | Writing Pen Knives
Penal Code 21110 PC | Ballistic Knives
Penal Code 21310 PC | Carrying or Dirk Dagger
Penal Code 21510 PC | Carrying a Switchblade
Penal Code 21810 PC | Possession of Brass Knuckles
Penal Code 22010 PC | Possession of Nunchucks
Penal Code 22210 PC | Batons and Leaded Canes
Penal Code 22410 PC | Possession of Shurikens
Penal Code 22610 PC | Stun Guns
Penal Code 22810 PC | Unlawful Use of Tear Gas
Penal Code 22910 PC | Defacing a Tear Gas Weapon
Penal Code 23515 | Preliminary provisions (Offenses that involve the violent use of a firearm)
Penal Code 23900 | Changing a Gun’s Identifying Information
Penal Code 24310 PC | Camouflaging Firearm Containers
Penal Code 24410 PC | Possession of Cane Guns
Penal Code 24610 PC | Undetectable Firearms
Penal Code 24710 PC | Wallet Guns
Penal Code 25100 PC | Criminal Storage of a Firearm
Penal Code 25400 PC | Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Penal Code 25610 PC | Conditions on Carrying Firearm in Motor Vehicle
Penal Code 25800 PC | Armed Criminal Action
Penal Code 25850 PC | Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public or a Vehicle
Penal Code 26100 PC | Shooting from a Motor Vehicle
Penal Code 26150 PC | Eligibility to Obtain License to Carry a Concealed Weapon (CCW)
Penal Code 26155 PC | Obtaining a License to Carry a Concealed Weapon (CCW)
Penal Code 26350 PC | Openly Carrying a Firearm
Penal Code 26500 PC | Unlicensed Sale of Firearms in California
Penal Code 29800 PC | Felon with a Firearm
Penal Code 29805 PC | Firearm Possession After Misdemeanor Convictions
Penal Code 29810 PC | Relinquishing Firearms by Convicted Persons
Penal Code 29820 PC | Possession of Firearms by Juvenile Wards
Penal Code 29825 PC | Possession of Firearm in Violation of Court Order
Penal Code 29900 | Jail Sentence for Ex-Felon with Firearm
Penal Code 29905 | Violent offenses
Penal Code 30315 PC | Possession of Armor-Piercing Ammunition
Penal Code 30610 PC | Possession of a 50 BMG Rifle
Penal Code 30210 | Bullets with an Explosive Agent
Penal Code 30305(a)(1) | Possession of Ammunition by Felon or Person Prohibited
Penal Code 30600 PC | Sale or Manufacture of Assault Weapons
Penal Code 30605 PC | Possession of an Assault Weapon
Penal Code 32310 PC | Large Capacity Magazines
Penal Code 32900 PC | Bump Stocks
Penal Code 33215 PC | Short-Barreled Rifles & Sawed-Off Shotguns
Penal Code 33410 PC | Possession of a Silencer
Penal Code 33600 PC | Zip Guns
Penal Code 40515 | Failure to Appear on Infraction
Frequently-asked-questions
What is the California Penal Code?
The California Penal Code is a collection of state statutes that define many criminal offenses and their corresponding penalties. It covers a wide range of offenses, such as theft, assault, sexual offenses, homicide, and fraud.
Note that vehicular crimes are covered in the Vehicle Code, and many drug crimes are covered in the Health and Safety Code.
How is it organized?
There are six parts to the California Penal Code:
- Crimes and punishments (25 – 680.4)
- Criminal procedure (681 – 1620)
- Imprisonment and the death penalty (2000 – 10008)
- Prevention of crimes and apprehension of criminal (11006 – 14315)
- Peace officers’ memorial (15001 – 15003)
- Control of deadly weapons (16000 – 34370)
Meanwhile each part is divided into titles, which in turn are divided into chapters. Finally, each chapter is divided into sections – which are the actual statutes.
How old is the California Penal Code?
The code dates back to 1872, though it is revised constantly with new laws passed by the California State Legislature and signed by the Governor.
What are the crimes included in the code?
The major crimes included in Part 1 of the California Penal Code are:
- Title 7: Crimes against public justice:
- bribery
- perjury
- falsifying evidence
- conspiracy
- money laundering
- Title 8: Crimes against the person:
- homicide
- mayhem
- kidnapping
- robbery
- false imprisonment
- assault and battery
- Title 9: Crimes against the person involving sexual assault, and crimes against public decency and good morals:
- rape
- abandonment of children
- incest
- indecent exposure
- Title 13: Crimes against property:
- arson
- burglary
- larceny
- extortion
How does criminal procedure work?
According to Part 2 of the California Penal Code, the major steps of the criminal process are as follows:
- The prefile investigation
- Obtaining an arrest warrant based on an “information” or else indicting the suspect by a grand jury
- The arraignment
- A plea bargain (if the case resolves before trial)
- The preliminary hearing (only in felony cases) to determine if there is probable cause
- The criminal trial
- The sentencing hearing (if the defendant is convicted)