Skip to main content
US Criminal Defense.org
Menu

California legal term

Prima facie showing in California Criminal Law

Current through 2026 California legislative session

In California criminal law, “Prima facie showing” 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 “Prima facie showing” mean in California criminal law?

“Prima facie showing” means that the defendant produces facts that, if true, establish that there is a substantial likelihood that a violation of subdivision (a) occurred. (Cal. Penal Code § 745)

Statutes defining or using this term

Related terms in the same statutes

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.