California · Penal Code

PEN §827.1: A person who is specified or designated in a warrant of arrest for a misdemeanor offense may be released upon the issuance of a citation, in lieu of physical arrest, unless one of the following condit

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute establishes conditions under which a person arrested on a misdemeanor warrant may be released by citation instead of physical arrest, with exceptions for violent crimes, firearms, resisting arrest, and other specified circumstances.

Read the full statutory text
A person who is specified or designated in a warrant of arrest for a misdemeanor offense may be released upon the issuance of a citation, in lieu of physical arrest, unless one of the following conditions exists: (a) The misdemeanor cited in the warrant involves violence. (b) The misdemeanor cited in the warrant involves a firearm. (c) The misdemeanor cited in the warrant involves resisting arrest. (d) The misdemeanor cited in the warrant involves giving false information to a peace officer. (e) The person arrested is a danger to himself or herself or others due to intoxication or being under the influence of drugs or narcotics. (f) The person requires medical examination or medical care or was otherwise unable to care for his or her own safety. (g) The person has other ineligible charges pending against him or her. (h) There is reasonable likelihood that the offense or offenses would continue or resume, or that the safety of persons or property would be immediately endangered by the release of the person. (i) The person refuses to sign the notice to appear. (j) The person cannot provide satisfactory evidence of personal identification. (k) The warrant of arrest indicates that the person is not eligible to be released on a citation. The issuance of a citation under this section shall be undertaken in the manner set forth in Sections 853.6 to 853.8, inclusive.

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.