California legal term
Used a firearm in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Used a firearm” 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 “Used a firearm” mean in California criminal law?
“Used a firearm” means to display a firearm in a menacing manner, to intentionally fire it, to intentionally strike or hit a human being with it, or to use it in any manner that qualifies under Section 12022.5. (Cal. Penal Code § 1203.06)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.