California · Evidence Code

EVID §985: There is no privilege under this article in a criminal proceeding in which one spouse is charged with: (a) A crime committed at any time against the person or property of the other spouse or of a chil

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute eliminates spousal privilege in criminal proceedings involving crimes against a spouse or child, bigamy, or crimes defined in Penal Code sections 270–270a.

Read the full statutory text

There is no privilege under this article in a criminal proceeding in which one spouse is charged with: (a) A crime committed at any time against the person or property of the other spouse or of a child of either. (b) A crime committed at any time against the person or property of a third person committed in the course of committing a crime against the person or property of the other spouse. (c) Bigamy. (d) A crime defined by Section 270 or 270a of the Penal Code.

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.