California · Penal Code

PEN §1051: Upon a trial for any offense, if a defense witness testifies, there shall be good cause for a reasonable continuance unless the court finds that the prosecutor was or should, with due diligence, have

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute establishes a procedural rule allowing courts to grant reasonable continuances when a defense witness testifies, unless the prosecutor should have known of the evidence through due diligence. Continuances based on defendant testimony are limited to one day.

Read the full statutory text

Upon a trial for any offense, if a defense witness testifies, there shall be good cause for a reasonable continuance unless the court finds that the prosecutor was or should, with due diligence, have been aware of such evidence. If the continuance is granted because of the defendant’s testimony, it shall not exceed one day.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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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.