California legal term
Developmental disability in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Developmental disability” 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 “Developmental disability” mean in California criminal law?
“Developmental disability” means a disability as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and for which a regional center finds eligibility for services under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act. (Cal. Penal Code § 1001.20)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.