California legal term
Involuntary proceeding in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Involuntary proceeding” 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 “Involuntary proceeding” mean in California criminal law?
“Involuntary proceeding” means an Indian child custody proceeding in which the parent does not consent of their free will to the foster care, preadoptive, or adoptive placement, or termination of parental rights. “Involuntary proceeding” also means an Indian child custody proceeding in which the parent consents to the foster care, preadoptive, or adoptive placement, under threat of removal of the child by a state court or agency. (Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 224.1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.