California · Penal Code

PEN §686.2: (a) The court may, after holding a hearing and making the findings set forth in subdivision (b), order the removal of any spectator who is intimidating a witness.

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Courts may remove spectators intimidating witnesses after a hearing and findings that removal is necessary and the only reasonable means to ensure witness testimony.

Read the full statutory text

(a) The court may, after holding a hearing and making the findings set forth in subdivision (b), order the removal of any spectator who is intimidating a witness. (b) The court may order the removal of a spectator only if it finds all of the following by clear and convincing evidence: (1) The spectator to be removed is actually engaging in intimidation of the witness. (2) The witness will not be able to give full, free, and complete testimony unless the spectator is removed. (3) Removal of the spectator is the only reasonable means of ensuring that the witness may give full, free, and complete testimony. (c) Subdivision (a) shall not be used as a means of excluding the press or a defendant from attendance at any portion of a criminal proceeding.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

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.