California legal term
facial covering in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “facial covering” 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 “facial covering” mean in California criminal law?
“facial covering” means any opaque mask, garment, helmet, headgear, or other item that conceals or obscures the facial identity of an individual, including, but not limited to, a balaclava, tactical mask, gator, ski mask, and any similar type of facial covering or face-shielding item. (Cal. Penal Code § 185.5)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.