California legal term
Destroy in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Destroy” 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 “Destroy” mean in California criminal law?
“Destroy” means to destroy a firearm or other weapon in its entirety by smelting, shredding, crushing, or cutting and shall include all parts including, without limitation, the frame or receiver, barrel, bolt, and grip of a firearm, as applicable, and any attachments including, but not limited to, a sight, scope, silencer, or suppressor, as applicable. (Cal. Penal Code § 18005)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.