California legal term
Crime of violence in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Crime of violence” 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 “Crime of violence” mean in California criminal law?
“Crime of violence” means an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another. (Cal. Penal Code § 423.1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.