California · Penal Code

PEN §784.5: The jurisdiction of a criminal action for a violation of Section 277, 278, or 278.

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute establishes where criminal cases for violations of Sections 277, 278, and 278.5 may be filed, based on the victim's residence, agency location, or where the child was taken or found.

Read the full statutory text

The jurisdiction of a criminal action for a violation of Section 277, 278, or 278.5 shall be in any one of the following jurisdictional territories: (a) Any jurisdictional territory in which the victimized person resides, or where the agency deprived of custody is located, at the time of the taking or deprivation. (b) The jurisdictional territory in which the minor child was taken, detained, or concealed. (c) The jurisdictional territory in which the minor child is found. When the jurisdiction lies in more than one jurisdictional territory, the district attorneys concerned may agree which of them will prosecute the case.

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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.