{"code":"PEN","codeName":"Penal Code","section":"804","citation":"Pen. Code, § 804","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"PART 2. OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE [681. - 1620.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-2"},{"name":"TITLE 3. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS REGARDING CRIMINAL PROCEDURE [777. - 883.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-2/title-3"},{"name":"CHAPTER 2. Time of Commencing Criminal Actions [799. - 805.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/part-2/title-3/chapter-2"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 110, Sec. 1.   Effective January 1, 2009.","effective":"2009-01-01","html":"<p>Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, for the purpose of this chapter, prosecution for an offense is commenced when any of the following occurs:</p><p>(a) An indictment or information is filed.</p><p>(b) A complaint is filed charging a misdemeanor or infraction.</p><p>(c) The defendant is arraigned on a complaint that charges the defendant with a felony.</p><p>(d) An arrest warrant or bench warrant is issued, provided the warrant names or describes the defendant with the same degree of particularity required for an indictment, information, or complaint.</p>","text":"Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, for the purpose of this chapter, prosecution for an offense is commenced when any of the following occurs: (a) An indictment or information is filed. (b) A complaint is filed charging a misdemeanor or infraction. (c) The defendant is arraigned on a complaint that charges the defendant with a felony. (d) An arrest warrant or bench warrant is issued, provided the warrant names or describes the defendant with the same degree of particularity required for an indictment, information, or complaint.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/penal-code/time-of-commencing-criminal-actions-804","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}