California · Penal Code

PEN §1429: In a misdemeanor case the plea of the defendant may be made by the defendant or by the defendant’s counsel.

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute sets out procedural rules for how defendants enter pleas in misdemeanor cases and what courts may do if evidence suggests a more serious offense occurred.

Read the full statutory text

In a misdemeanor case the plea of the defendant may be made by the defendant or by the defendant’s counsel. If such defendant pleads guilty, the court may, before entering such plea or pronouncing judgment, examine witnesses to ascertain the gravity of the offense committed; and if it appears to the court that a higher offense has been committed than the offense charged in the complaint, the court may order the defendant to be committed or admitted to bail, to answer any indictment which may be found against the defendant by the grand jury, or any complaint which may be filed charging the defendant with such higher offense.

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.