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California legal term

Knowingly possess in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “Knowingly possess” 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 “Knowingly possess” mean in California criminal law?

“Knowingly possess” means that the person possessing an article knew or had reason to believe that it was spurious, or that it was used on or in connection with spurious articles, or that it was reproduced without authorization of, or in excess of any authorization granted by, the registrant. (Cal. Penal Code § 350)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.