California legal term
Criminal activity in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Criminal activity” 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 “Criminal activity” mean in California criminal law?
“Criminal activity” means a criminal offense punishable under the laws of this state by death, imprisonment in the state prison, or imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 or from a criminal offense committed in another jurisdiction punishable under the laws of that jurisdiction by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. (Cal. Penal Code § 186.9)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.