California legal term
lawful custody in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “lawful custody” 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 “lawful custody” mean in California criminal law?
“lawful custody” has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (j) of Section 1255.7 of the Health and Safety Code. (Cal. Penal Code § 271.5)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.