Cal. PEN § 1428.5

This is the official text of Cal. PEN § 1428.5, part of California’s Penal Code — defines crimes and sets criminal procedure in California.

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Official statutory text

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, courts may conduct proceedings, including arraignments and trials, remotely for all infractions.

(1) Courts shall obtain the defendant’s consent to conduct proceedings remotely.

(2) The court may require the physical presence of any witness or party in court for a particular proceeding.

(3) This subdivision does not apply to misdemeanor or felony proceedings.

(b) Remote proceedings include use of technology for remote appearances.

(c) The Judicial Council may adopt rules of court to implement this section.

Status: in_force · Read it on the official government site

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