California · Penal Code

PEN §682: Every public offense must be prosecuted by indictment or information, except: 1.

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute specifies procedural requirements for prosecuting public offenses, establishing when indictment or information is required versus exceptions for certain cases.

Read the full statutory text

Every public offense must be prosecuted by indictment or information, except: 1. Where proceedings are had for the removal of civil officers of the state; 2. Offenses arising in the militia when in actual service, and in the land and naval forces in the time of war, or which the state may keep, with the consent of Congress, in time of peace; 3. Misdemeanors and infractions; 4. A felony to which the defendant has pleaded guilty to the complaint before a magistrate, where permitted by law.

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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.