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California legal term

custody order in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “custody order” 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 “custody order” mean in California criminal law?

“custody order” means a custody determination decree, judgment, or order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction, whether permanent or temporary, initial or modified, that affects the custody or visitation of a child, issued in the context of a custody proceeding. (Cal. Penal Code § 277)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.