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Cal. Penal Code § 778a (2026)

✓ current as of May 2026
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(a)Whenever a person, with intent to commit a crime, does any act within this state in execution or part execution of that intent, which culminates in the commission of a crime, either within or without this state, the person is punishable for that crime in this state in the same manner as if the crime had been committed entirely within this state.

(b)Whenever a person who, within this state, kidnaps another person within the meaning of Sections 207 and 209, and thereafter carries the person into another state or country and commits any crime of violence or theft against that person in the other state or country, the person is punishable for that crime of violence or theft in this state in the same manner as if the crime had been committed within this state.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 11 cases (4 in the last 5 years), 1961–2023 · leading case: United States v. Javier Perez, 962 F.3d 420 (9th Cir. 2020).
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United States v. Javier Perez, 962 F.3d 420 (9th Cir. 2020). · cites it 3× “See also Cal. Penal Code § 778a(a). 706 F.3d 965 (9th Cir.”
United States v. Wilfredo Lopez, 4 F.4th 706 (9th Cir. 2021). · cites it 3× “14 Because California Penal Code § 778a 15 extends the reach of California’s jurisdiction to circumstances where the defendant performs an act in furtherance of his criminal intent in California, Tello was properly subject to jurisdiction for the predicate offenses actually…”
State v. Lane, 771 P.2d 1150 (Wash. 1989). · cites it 2× “" Buffum, at 715 (quoting Cal. Penal Code § 778a). The court emphasized the words in execution or part execution of and culminates, finding the latter analogous to the attempt requirement of a "`direct' ineffectual act towards consummation of the crime.”
People v. Weeren, 607 P.2d 1279 (Cal. 1980). · cites it 2× “) Similarly, Penal Code section 778a provides, "Whenever a person, with intent to commit a crime, does any act within this state in execution or part execution of such intent, which culminates in the commission of a crime, either within or without this state, such person is…”
People v. Anderson, 361 P.2d 32 (Cal. 1961). “" 3 Penal Code, section 778a: "Whenever a person, with intent to commit a crime, does any act within this state in execution or part execution of such intent, which culminates in the commission of a crime, either within or without this state such person is punishable for such…”
People v. Chapman, 72 Cal. App. 3d 6 (Cal. Ct. App. 1977). “Territorial Jurisdiction Penal Code section 778a states: “Whenever a person, with intent to commit a crime, does any act within this state in execution or part execution of such intent, which culminates in the commission of a crime, either within or without this state such…”
Mcnamara (james) Vs. State, 2016 NV 60 (Nev. 2016). · cites it 2× “Penal Code § 778a(a) (West 2008), which is similar to NRS 171.”
People v. Avignone CA4/1 (Cal. Ct. App. 2021). · cites it 2× “(Pen. Code, § 778a, subd. (a).) Accordingly, Penal Code section 778a provides territorial jurisdiction in California over an offense if a defendant “with the requisite intent, does a preparatory act in California that is more than a de minimis act toward the eventual completion…”
People v. Avignone CA4/1 (Cal. Ct. App. 2021). · cites it 2× “(Pen. Code, § 778a, subd. (a).) Accordingly, Penal Code section 778a provides territorial jurisdiction in California over an offense if a defendant “with the requisite intent, does a preparatory act in California that is more than a de minimis act toward the eventual completion…”
Mcnamara (james) Vs. State, 2016 NV 60 (Nev. 2016). “Penal Code § 778a(a) (West 2008), which is similar to NRS 171.”
Dfinity USA Rsch. LLC v. Bravick (N.D. Cal. 2023). “, Cal. Penal Code § 778a(a) 3 (“Whenever a person, with intent to commit a crime, does any act within this state in execution or 4 part execution of that intent, which culminates in the commission of a crime, either within or 5 without this state, the person is punishable for…”
— Cal. Penal Code § 778a(a) — 5 cases
United States v. Javier Perez, 962 F.3d 420 (9th Cir. 2020). “See also Cal. Penal Code § 778a(a). 706 F.3d 965 (9th Cir.”
United States v. Wilfredo Lopez, 4 F.4th 706 (9th Cir. 2021). “14 Because California Penal Code § 778a 15 extends the reach of California’s jurisdiction to circumstances where the defendant performs an act in furtherance of his criminal intent in California, Tello was properly subject to jurisdiction for the predicate offenses actually…”
Mcnamara (james) Vs. State, 2016 NV 60 (Nev. 2016). “Penal Code § 778a(a) (West 2008), which is similar to NRS 171.”
Mcnamara (james) Vs. State, 2016 NV 60 (Nev. 2016). “Penal Code § 778a(a) (West 2008), which is similar to NRS 171.”
Dfinity USA Rsch. LLC v. Bravick (N.D. Cal. 2023). “, Cal. Penal Code § 778a(a) 3 (“Whenever a person, with intent to commit a crime, does any act within this state in execution or 4 part execution of that intent, which culminates in the commission of a crime, either within or 5 without this state, the person is punishable for…”
— Cal. Penal Code § 778a(b) — 1 case
United States v. Javier Perez, 962 F.3d 420 (9th Cir. 2020). “See also Cal. Penal Code § 778a(a). 706 F.3d 965 (9th Cir.”
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