California legal term
serious offense in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “serious offense” 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 “serious offense” mean in California criminal law?
“serious offense” means any offense that is chargeable as a felony and that involves violence against another person. “Serious injury” means, for purposes of this section, any illness or injury that requires hospitalization, is potentially life threatening, or that potentially will permanently impair the use of a major body organ, appendage, or limb. (Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 223)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.