California legal term
Wire communication in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Wire communication” 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 “Wire communication” mean in California criminal law?
“Wire communication” means any aural transfer made in whole or in part through the use of facilities for the transmission of communications by the aid of wire, cable, or other like connection between the point of origin and the point of reception (including the use of a like connection in a switching station), furnished or operated by any person engaged in providing or operating these facilities for the transmission of communications. (Cal. Penal Code § 629.51)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.