California · Penal Code

PEN §1428.5: (a) Notwithstanding any other law, courts may conduct proceedings, including arraignments and trials, remotely for all infractions.

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Courts may conduct infraction proceedings remotely with defendant consent and may require in-person appearances when needed. This section does not apply to misdemeanor or felony cases.

Read the full 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.

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.