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California legal term

armed with in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “armed with” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.

What does “armed with” mean in California criminal law?

“armed with” means having available for immediate offensive or defensive use. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 11370.1)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.