Section 804 Of Chapter 2. Time Of Commencing Criminal Actions From California Penal Code >> Title 3. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 2.
804
. 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.