California legal term
Monetary instrument in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Monetary instrument” 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 “Monetary instrument” mean in California criminal law?
“Monetary instrument” means United States currency and coin; the currency, coin, and foreign bank drafts of any foreign country; payment warrants issued by the United States, this state, or any city, county, or city and county of this state or any other political subdivision thereof; any bank check, cashier’s check, traveler’s check, or money order; any personal check, stock, investment security, or negotiable instrument in bearer form or otherwise in a form in which title thereto passes upon delivery; gold, silver, or platinum bullion or coins; and diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or sapphires. (Cal. Penal Code § 186.9)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.