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California legal term

nonviolent felony in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “nonviolent felony” 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 “nonviolent felony” mean in California criminal law?

“nonviolent felony” means an offense under the laws of any other state that does not include comparable elements constituting an offense listed in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5, subdivision (c) of Section 1192.7, subdivision (a) of Section 1192.8, Section 23515, or Section 29905. (Cal. Penal Code § 29800)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.