Penal Code § 977 PC (Waiver of Defendant’s Presence for Misdemeanors) (2024)

977 Waiver -- Can my attorney appear for me in a California criminal case?

Penal Code § 977 allows your attorney to appear in court on your behalf in your misdemeanor case. Thebenefits of waiving your presence and appearing “by counsel only” are:

  • not having to paytravel expensesif you live out of state,
  • not having totake time off of workto go to court, and
  • reduced anxiety levels by having your lawyer handle the matter.

However, you do have to be present in certain misdemeanor cases involving:

  1. domestic violence, and
  2. driving under the influence.

In felony cases, Penal Code 977 requires you to be personally present throughout the criminal court process whether or not you have an attorney.

If you or your attorney fails to appear in court when required, you face charges for failure to appear in violation of Penal Code 1320 and 1320.5. Even failing to appear on a traffic infraction ticket is a crime under Vehicle Code 40508 VC.

Our California criminal defense attorneys will highlight the following in this article:

  • 1. Can an attorney appear in court on the client’s behalf?
  • 2. Are there exceptions to the 977 PC rule?
  • 3. Can a defendant waive their presence for felonies?
  • 4. Can a party appear in court via video?
  • 5. What if neither the defendant nor the attorney appear in court?
  • 6. What is failure to appear under California Vehicle Code 40508?
  • Additional resources

Penal Code § 977 PC (Waiver of Defendant’s Presence for Misdemeanors) (1)

Penal Code 977 is the California statute that allows a defendant to “waive” his presence in court for most misdemeanor proceedings.

1. Can an attorney appear in court on the client’s behalf?

Penal Code 977is the California statute that allows a defendant to “waive” their appearance in court for most misdemeanorproceedings.1 This even includes their appearance at the arraignment, or the first formal proceeding in a criminal case.

Waiver” means a defendant:

  1. gives up their right to personally appear in court, and
  2. has their criminal defense lawyer appear on their behalf.2

Thebenefits of a defendant waiving their presence include:

  • they do not have to pay travel expenses if they live out of state,
  • they do not have to take time off of work to go to court, and
  • they can reduce anxiety levels by having their lawyer handle things.

2. Are there exceptions to the 977 PC rule?

There are two main exceptions to the general rule in PC 977 that allows for the waiver of presence.

The first is that a partycannot waive their presence in certain domestic violence cases (including violating a protective order (PC 136.2) and corporal injury to a spouse (PC 273.5). During these matters, an accused must be present for:

  • arraignment,
  • sentencing, and
  • when ordered by the court for purposes of being informed of a protective order.3

The second exception is that a court can require a defendant’spresence forcertain driving under the influence offenses.4These “certain” offenses include:

  • gross vehicular manslaughter, in violation of PC 191.5,
  • DUI, in violation of VC 23152, and
  • DUI causing injury, in violation of VC 23153.5

In these cases, the court has the discretion to require the defendant to be present:

  • for arraignment,
  • at the time of entering a plea, or
  • at sentencing.6

3. Can a defendant waive their presence for felonies?

Penal Code 977(b)says that an accused must be personally present for most felony court proceedings. These proceedings include:

  • arraignment,
  • at the time of entering a plea,
  • during the preliminary hearing,
  • during those portions of the trial when evidence is taken, and
  • at the time of sentencing.7

There are someexceptionsthough. A judge may allow a waiver of a defendant’s presence in a felony case if:

  • they are allowed to appear via video, or
  • the accused executes a written waiver (and the judge agrees to it).8

Penal Code § 977 PC (Waiver of Defendant’s Presence for Misdemeanors) (2)

If the defendant agrees to it, he may appear by video at certain stages of a case

4. Can a party appear in court via video?

If the defendant agrees to it, they may appear by videoat the following stages of a case:

  • the initial court appearance,
  • arraignment, and
  • entering of a plea.9

This rule applies to both misdemeanor and felony cases. This practice became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. What if neither the defendant nor the attorney appear in court?

A defendant could be charged with the crime offailure to appear, perPenal Code 1320 and 1320.5, if they (or their attorney) do not appear in court when required to do so.10

California Penal Code 1320sets out the crime of “failing to appear” for defendants who are released on their own recognizance.Penal Code 1320.5describes “failure to appear” for California defendants who are released on bail.

Thepenalties for failure to appearin California depend on the type of crime a defendant was initially charged with or convicted of.

If an accused was charged with or convicted of amisdemeanor and released on their own recognizance, then failure to appear is a misdemeanor.11The penalties include:

  • up to six months incounty jail, and/or
  • a fine of up to $1,000.12

Though if an accused was charged with or convicted of a felony, then failure to appear will be a felonyunder California law.13

If charged as a felony, the crime is punishable by:

  • acounty jailsentence of up to one year, or sixteen months or two or three years instate prison, and/or
  • a fine of up to $5,000 if the defendant was released on their own recognizance, or $10,000 if they were released on bail.14

6. What is failure to appear under California Vehicle Code 40508?

When a driver is issued a traffic ticket in California, the officer will have them sign a written promise to appear in court. If they willfully fail to appear as promised, they violate Vehicle Code 40508 VC.15

Violation ofVC 40508is amisdemeanor. The penalties are:

  • up to six months in county jail, and/or
  • a fine of up to $1,000.16

Additional resources

For more in-depth information, refer to the following:

Legal References:

  1. California Penal Code 977(a)(2) PC.
  2. See same.
  3. California Penal Code 977(a)(2) PC.
  4. California Penal Code 977(a)(3) PC.
  5. See same.
  6. See same.
  7. California Penal Code 977(b) PC.
  8. See same.
  9. California Penal Code 977(a) and (c) PC.
  10. California Penal Code 1320 PC.
  11. California Penal Code 1320 PC.
  12. California Penal Code 19PC.
  13. California Penal Code 1320 PC.
  14. See same. See also Penal Code 1320.5 PC.
  15. California Vehicle Code 40508 VC.
  16. California Penal Code 19 PC. Except in cases where a different punishment is prescribed by any law of this state, every offense declared to be a misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both.
Penal Code § 977 PC (Waiver of Defendant’s Presence for Misdemeanors) (2024)

FAQs

Penal Code § 977 PC (Waiver of Defendant’s Presence for Misdemeanors)? ›

Penal Code 977 PC allows defendant's to waive their court appearance for misdemeanor cases. If you sign this waiver, you can appear "by counsel only" at most court appearances. This provision can help reduce the costs and stress of defending oneself against a misdemeanor charge.

What is a 977 B appearance? ›

Brief Synopsis: Under certain conditions, an attorney can appear on the client's behalf in a felony case without the client present. This is provided for at Penal Code § 977(b). We have done so successfully to even recall a felony bench warrant, but caution that most often, the judge denies our request to do so.

What is the penal code 997? ›

997. The motion must be heard at the time it is made, unless for cause the court postpones the hearing to another time. The court may entertain such motion prior to trial whether or not a plea has been entered and such plea need not be set aside in order to consider the motion.

What is the penal code 977 D? ›

(D) A defendant charged with a felony or misdemeanor shall not appear remotely for a jury trial or court trial, except as provided in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2).

What does time waived mean in court? ›

The defendant can “waive” (give up) the right to a speedy trial. This means the defendant agrees to have the trial after the required deadline (also known as “waiving time”). But even if the defendant waives time, the law says the trial must start within 10 days after the trial date is set.

What is a 977 waiver? ›

California Penal Code Section 977 PC allows defendants to waive their required presence in court for most misdemeanor proceedings. Penal Code 977 PC allows defendant's to waive their court appearance for misdemeanor cases. If you sign this waiver, you can appear "by counsel only" at most court appearances.

What does code 977 mean on an IRS transcript? ›

Top Contributor 2024. Website. Call for a Consultation (916) 432-1156. Posted on Apr 13. Tax code 977 on your online transcript typically indicates that your tax return is being reviewed or examined by the IRS.

What is evidence code 997? ›

California Code, Evidence Code - EVID § 997

There is no privilege under this article if the services of the physician were sought or obtained to enable or aid anyone to commit or plan to commit a crime or a tort or to escape detection or apprehension after the commission of a crime or a tort.

Is copyright infringement a misdemeanor? ›

A misdemeanor shall apply if the defendant does not meet the numerical and monetary thresholds, or if the defendant is involved in the infringement of the other rights bestowed upon the copyright holder, including the right to prepare derivative works, or the right to publicly perform a copyrighted work.

Is 537 PC a misdemeanor or felony? ›

“Defrauding an innkeeper” penalties in California

Defrauding an innkeeper out of more than $950 is a wobbler, which means prosecutors can choose to charge you with either a misdemeanor or a felony. The D.A. is more likely to bring felony charges if you already have a criminal history.

What is PC977? ›

Penal Code 977 is the California statute that allows a defendant to “waive” their appearance in court for most misdemeanor proceedings. 1. This even includes their appearance at the arraignment, or the first formal proceeding in a criminal case.

What is penal code pc288? ›

Conviction under §288(a) can result in a prison sentence of up to eight years, payment of a fine of up to $10,000, or both imprisonment and a fine, and an additional fine of up to $10,000, which must be paid into a victim's relief fund.

What is a PC 995 motion? ›

In simple terms, a PC 995 motion to dismiss is a legal motion asking for the dismissal of a criminal case. It's filed after a preliminary hearing in a felony case.

How well do waivers hold up in court? ›

The enforceability of a legal waiver depends on the jurisdiction and the specific circ*mstances surrounding the agreement. Laws can vary from one jurisdiction to another, and courts may interpret waivers differently. Some jurisdictions may have stricter requirements for enforceability, while others may be more lenient.

What does waiver mean in law? ›

A waiver is a demonstration, usually in written form, of a party's intent to relinquish a legal right or claim. The key point to note is that the relinquishment is voluntary, and can apply to a variety of legal situations. Essentially, a waiver removes a real or potential liability for the other party in the agreement.

What does waive charges mean? ›

: to refrain from pressing or enforcing (something, such as a claim or rule) : forgo. waive the fee. 2. : to put off from immediate consideration : postpone.

What is a special appearance in CA Family Law? ›

If you go to court and ask for a continuance, you request would be considered a general appearance. A special appearance is only used when you are moving to quash service of summons which asserts your claim that the court does not have personal jurisdiction over you.

What is the defendant's appearance? ›

Each defendant must make a general appearance. After an attorney has appeared in court on behalf of a client, that attorney is responsible for all future appearances in court unless there is a substitution of attorneys or a court order releases the attorney.

What is an appearance ticket NY? ›

An appearance ticket is a written notice issued and subscribed by a police officer or other public servant authorized by state law or local law enacted pursuant to the provisions of the municipal home rule law to issue the same, directing a designated person to appear in a designated local criminal court at a ...

What is an appearance letter? ›

The appearance tells the court that the defendant intends to have the court hear the matter for which the plaintiff has filed the complaint. The appearance form also tells the court if you are representing yourself, or whether you have hired an attorney to represent you.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Last Updated:

Views: 6322

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Leonie Wyman

Birthday: 1993-07-01

Address: Suite 763 6272 Lang Bypass, New Xochitlport, VT 72704-3308

Phone: +22014484519944

Job: Banking Officer

Hobby: Sailing, Gaming, Basketball, Calligraphy, Mycology, Astronomy, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.