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Legal Information: California

California Crimes

Laws current as of
January 11, 2024

Crimes

Even if you do not qualify for a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) or a civil harassment order in California, the abuser may have committed a crime. If you call the police, they may arrest him/her for a crime and you may get a restraining order through the criminal court. Remember that even if you do have a DVRO or a civil harassment order, you can still report him/her to the police if you believe s/he committed a crime against you.

In our Abuse Using Technology section, you can learn the types of behaviors that are considered a misuse of technology. Some of these behaviors might be recognized as a crime depending on the specific laws of your state.

What are some crimes that the abuser may have committed in California?
If I am the victim of a crime, where can I get additional help in California?

What are some crimes that the abuser may have committed in California?

Here are a list of some possible crimes in California that the abuser may have committed. You can click on the links to read the legal definition of the crime in our State Statutes page:

Statute Crime (click here to sort the list alphabetically by crime names)
207 Kidnapping
236 False imprisonment
240 Assault
242 Battery
243.4 Sexual battery
261 Rape
261.5 Unlawful sexual intercourse with person under 18
264.1 Rape or penetration by a foreign object
273.5 Willful infliction of corporal injury (domestic violence)
273.6 Violation of a court order to prevent harassment, disturbing the peace, or threats/acts of violence
278.5 Deprivation of custody of child or right to visitation
422 Criminal threats
519 Extortion
528.5 Impersonation through Internet Web site or by other electronic means
529 Performance of certain acts in false character
530 Receiving money or property as result of false personation
530.5 Unauthorized use of personal identifying information
530.8 Access to information and records related to unauthorized use of identifying information
632 Eavesdropping on or recording confidential communications
646.9 Stalking
647 Disorderly conduct (includes distributing intimate images)
653m Telephone calls or contact by electronic communication device with intent to annoy
653.2 Electronic communication device; prohibited distribution or publication of personal identifying information

If I am the victim of a crime, where can I get additional help in California?

The California Office of the Attorney General provides a Victims’ Services Unit, which offers victims and their families support and information. You can also call them at (877) 433-9069.

The California Courts website provides information and resources for victims of crimes, including forms and instructions for obtaining victim compensation.

If you are a victim of domestic violence and have been charged with a crime, you can go to our Abuse Victims Charged with Crimes page.

Other organizations for victims of crime are listed on our National Organizations - Crime Victims page.