California legal term
First responder in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “First responder” 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 “First responder” mean in California criminal law?
“First responder” means a first responder as defined under Section 8562 of the Government Code, or any employee of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under Section 313 of Subchapter V of Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the United States Code. (Cal. Penal Code § 538i)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.