California · Penal Code

PEN §4016: Whenever a person is committed upon process in a civil action or proceeding, except when the people of this State are a party thereto, the sheriff is not bound to receive such person, unless security

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

A sheriff may refuse to hold a person committed in a civil lawsuit unless the party requesting commitment deposits money to cover the person's food, clothing, and bedding expenses.

Read the full statutory text

Whenever a person is committed upon process in a civil action or proceeding, except when the people of this State are a party thereto, the sheriff is not bound to receive such person, unless security is given on the part of the party at whose instance the process is issued, by a deposit of money, to meet the expenses for him of necessary food, clothing, and bedding, or to detain such person any longer than these expenses are provided for. This section does not apply to cases where a party is committed as a punishment for disobedience to the mandates, process, writs, or orders of court.

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.