California · Penal Code

PEN §241.8: (a) Any person who commits an assault against a member of the United States Armed Forces because of the victim’s service in the United States Armed Forces shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

A person who assaults a U.S. Armed Forces member because of their military service may be fined up to $2,000, jailed up to one year, or both. The assault must be motivated at least in part by the victim's service.

Read the full statutory text
(a) Any person who commits an assault against a member of the United States Armed Forces because of the victim’s service in the United States Armed Forces shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000), by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not exceeding one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment. (b) “Because of” means that the bias motivation must be a cause in fact of the assault, whether or not other causes exist. When multiple concurrent motives exist, the prohibited bias must be a substantial factor in bringing about the assault.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.