Penal Code section 1148

If charged with a felony the defendant must, before the verdict is received, appear in person, unless, after the exercise of reasonable diligence to procure the presence of the defendant, the court shall find that it will be in the interest of justice that the verdict be received in his absence. If for a misdemeanor, the verdict may be rendered in his absence.

Source: Section 1148, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=1148.­ (updated Jan. 1, 1931; accessed Jun. 18, 2026).

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Verified:
Jun. 18, 2026

§ 1148's source at ca​.gov