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California legal term

designated law enforcement entity in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “designated law enforcement entity” 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 “designated law enforcement entity” mean in California criminal law?

“designated law enforcement entity” means the Department of Justice, a district attorney, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Division of Juvenile Justice, and every state or local agency expressly authorized by statute to investigate or prosecute law violators. (Cal. Penal Code § 290.45)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.