Penal Code section 11473

Upon application made under Section 11472, the judicial officer may enter an ex parte order, as requested or modified, authorizing interruption of a communication service in the territorial jurisdiction in which the judicial officer is sitting, if the judicial officer determines, on the basis of the facts submitted by the applicant, that all of the following requirements are satisfied:

(a)

There is probable cause that the communication service is being or will be used for an unlawful purpose or to assist in a violation of the law.

(b)

Absent immediate and summary action to interrupt the communication service, serious, direct, and immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare will result.

(c)

The interruption of communication service is narrowly tailored to prevent unlawful infringement of speech that is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Section 2 of Article I of the California Constitution, or a violation of any other rights under federal or state law.

(d)

The interruption of a communication service would leave open ample alternative means of communication.

Source: Section 11473, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=11473.­ (accessed May 10, 2025).

Last Updated

May 10, 2025

§ 11473’s source at ca​.gov