California legal term
complaint in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “complaint” 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 “complaint” mean in California criminal law?
“complaint” includes, but is not limited to, a notice to appear which is within the provisions of Section 40513 of the Vehicle Code. (Cal. Penal Code § 858.7)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.