Section 858 Of Chapter 7. Examination Of The Case, And Discharge Of The Defendant, Or Holding Him To Answer From California Penal Code >> Title 3. >> Part 2. >> Chapter 7.
858
. (a) When the defendant first appears for arraignment on a
charge of having committed a public offense, the magistrate shall
immediately inform the defendant of the charge against him or her,
and of his or her right to the aid of counsel in every stage of the
proceedings.
(b) If it appears that the defendant may be a minor, the
magistrate shall ascertain whether that is the case, and if the
magistrate concludes that it is probable that the defendant is a
minor, and unless the defendant is a member of the Armed Forces of
the United States and the offense charged is a misdemeanor, he or she
shall immediately either notify the parent or guardian of the minor
of the arrest or appoint counsel to represent the minor.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the Judicial Council shall
revise its military service form to include information explaining
the rights under Section 1170.9 and related statutes of individuals
who have active duty or veteran status and shall include a space for
the local court to provide the contact information for the county
veterans service office. For purposes of this section, "active duty
or veteran status" includes active military duty service, reserve
duty status, national guard service, and veteran status.
(d) The court shall inform the defendant that there are certain
provisions of law specifically designed for individuals who have
active duty or veteran status and who have been charged with a crime.
The court shall inform the defendant that if the defendant is on
active duty in the United States military, or is a veteran of the
United States military, the defendant may request a copy of the
Judicial Council military form that explains those rights and may
file that form with the court so that the defendant's active duty or
veteran status is on file with the court. The court shall advise the
defendant that the defendant should consult with counsel prior to
submitting the form and that the defendant may, without penalty,
decline to provide this information to the court.
(e) If the defendant acknowledges active duty or veteran status
and submits the Judicial Council military service form to the court,
the defendant shall file the form with the court and serve the form
on the prosecuting attorney and defense counsel. The form may be used
to assist in determining eligibility for services pursuant to
Section 1170.9. The court shall transmit a copy of the form to the
county veterans service officer for confirmation of the defendant's
military service. The court shall also transmit a copy of the form to
the Department of Veterans Affairs.