California legal term
withholds in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “withholds” 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 “withholds” mean in California criminal law?
“withholds” means retains physical possession of a child whether or not the child resists or objects. (Cal. Penal Code § 277)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.