California legal term
pattern in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “pattern” 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 “pattern” mean in California criminal law?
“pattern” means two or more convictions, or five or more arrests, for separate offenses occurring on separate occasions within three years from at least one of the other convictions or arrests. (Cal. Penal Code § 851.91)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.