California Code Guide: plain-English code section references

Plain-English reference pages for California code sections, each linked to its official public source. General legal information only.

Research sources for this library were last checked on 2026-10-27. This date reflects source checking only; it is not a publication date and not an attorney review.

• Penal Code §273.5

  California Penal Code 273.5: corporal injury and domestic violence

  PC 273.5 concerns willful corporal injury causing a traumatic condition in a qualifying relationship. Read the elements, injury definition, and difference from domestic battery.

• Penal Code §243(e)(1)

  California Penal Code 243(e)(1): domestic battery

  PC 243(e)(1) addresses battery involving specified domestic relationships. Compare the relationship requirement, probation provisions, and PC 273.5 injury requirement.

• Penal Code §240

  California Penal Code 240: assault explained

  PC 240 defines assault through an unlawful attempt and present ability to commit violent injury. Compare assault with battery under PC 242.

• Penal Code §242

  California Penal Code 242: battery explained

  PC 242 defines battery as willful and unlawful force or violence upon another person. Understand the definition and why the charged PC 243 subdivision matters.

• Penal Code §422

  California Penal Code 422: criminal threats

  PC 422 requires more than an alarming statement. Read the threat, intent, circumstances, and sustained reasonable fear requirements in the current California statute.

• Penal Code §459

  California Penal Code 459: burglary and intent at entry

  PC 459 concerns entry into specified places with intent to commit theft or a felony. Read why intent at entry and the exact location matter.

• Penal Code §484

  California Penal Code 484: theft and the underlying allegation

  PC 484 describes several forms of theft, including taking property, fraudulent appropriation, and false pretenses. The section number alone does not determine every penalty.

• Penal Code §148(a)(1)

  California Penal Code 148(a)(1): resisting, delaying, or obstructing

  PC 148(a)(1) addresses willfully resisting, delaying, or obstructing specified officers or an EMT performing duties. Section 148 also protects recording by itself.

• Vehicle Code §23152

  California Vehicle Code 23152: DUI subsections explained

  VC 23152 includes alcohol impairment, a 0.08% BAC provision, drug impairment, and other subsections. Understand why the exact DUI subsection matters.