California · Penal Code
PEN § 242: Battery
Criminal DefenseCalifornia misdemeanor (general)
What this law says, in plain English
Battery is unlawful intentional application of force to another person's body without consent, or harmful/offensive touching. Penalties include jail time and/or fines.
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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.