Section 1043.5 Of Chapter 7. The Mode Of Trial From California Penal Code >> Title 6. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 7.
1043.5
. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the
defendant in a preliminary hearing shall be personally present.
(b) The absence of the defendant in a preliminary hearing after
the hearing has commenced in his presence shall not prevent
continuing the hearing to, and including, holding to answer, filing
an information, or discharging the defendant in any of the following
cases:
(1) Any case in which the defendant, after he has been warned by
the judge that he will be removed if he continued his disruptive
behavior, nevertheless insists on conducting himself in a manner so
disorderly, disruptive, and disrespectful of the court that the
hearing cannot be carried on with him in the courtroom.
(2) Any prosecution for an offense which is not punishable by
death in which the defendant is voluntarily absent.
(c) Any defendant who is absent from a preliminary hearing
pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) may reclaim his right to
be present at the hearing as soon as he is willing to conduct
himself consistently with the decorum and respect inherent in the
concept of courts and judicial proceedings.
(d) Subdivisions (a) and (b) shall not limit the right of a
defendant to waive his right to be present in accordance with Section
977.