California · Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC

WIC §5300.5: For purposes of this article: (a) “Custody” shall be construed to mean involuntary detainment under the provisions of this part uninterrupted by any period of unconditioned release from a licensed hea

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute defines key terms for civil commitment proceedings, including 'custody' as involuntary detainment at a health facility, and specifies that criminal conviction is not required for commitment based on demonstrated danger.

Read the full statutory text

For purposes of this article: (a) “Custody” shall be construed to mean involuntary detainment under the provisions of this part uninterrupted by any period of unconditioned release from a licensed health facility providing involuntary care and treatment. (b) Conviction of a crime is not necessary for commitment under this article. (c) Demonstrated danger may be based on assessment of present mental condition, which is based upon a consideration of past behavior of the person within six years prior to the time the person attempted, inflicted, or threatened physical harm upon another, and other relevant evidence.

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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.