California legal term
tattoo in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “tattoo” 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 “tattoo” mean in California criminal law?
“tattoo” means to insert pigment under the surface of the skin of a human being, by pricking with a needle or otherwise, so as to produce an indelible mark or figure visible through the skin. (Cal. Penal Code § 653)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.