California · Penal Code

PEN §279: A violation of Section 278 or 278.

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

This statute establishes that violations of child-taking or child-concealment offenses (Sections 278 and 278.5) can be prosecuted in this state even when the offender was not present there, if the child, a custodian, or visitation-rights holder had ties to the state.

Read the full statutory text

A violation of Section 278 or 278.5 by a person who was not a resident of, or present in, this state at the time of the alleged offense is punishable in this state, whether the intent to commit the offense is formed within or outside of this state, if any of the following apply: (a) The child was a resident of, or present in, this state at the time the child was taken, enticed away, kept, withheld, or concealed. (b) The child thereafter is found in this state. (c) A lawful custodian or a person with a right to visitation is a resident of this state at the time the child was taken, enticed away, kept, withheld, or concealed.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

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.