California legal term
Armed with a firearm in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Armed with a firearm” 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 a firearm” mean in California criminal law?
“Armed with a firearm” means to knowingly carry or have available for use a firearm as a means of offense or defense. (Cal. Penal Code § 1203.06)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.