California · Penal Code

PEN §1203a: (a) In all counties and cities and counties, the courts therein, having jurisdiction to impose punishment in misdemeanor cases, may refer cases, demand reports, and to do and require anything necessar

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Courts may refer misdemeanor cases for probation services, suspend sentences, and impose probation terms up to one year, unless the offense specifies a different probation length.

Read the full statutory text

(a) In all counties and cities and counties, the courts therein, having jurisdiction to impose punishment in misdemeanor cases, may refer cases, demand reports, and to do and require anything necessary to carry out the purposes of Section 1203, insofar as that section applies to misdemeanors. The court may suspend the imposition or execution of the sentence and make and enforce the terms of probation for a period not to exceed one year. (b) The one-year probation limit in subdivision (a) shall not apply to any offense that includes specific probation lengths within its provisions.

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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.