Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

California Code, Penal Code - PEN § 686.2

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(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.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - California Code, Penal Code - PEN § 686.2 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/penal-code/pen-sect-686-2/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard