CHAPTER 1. Finding and Presentment of the Indictment [940. - 945.]

Cal. Penal Code - PEN 1.

in effect

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 940. Section 940.

An indictment cannot be found without concurrence of at least 14 grand jurors in a county in which the required number of members of the grand jury prescribed by Section 888.2 is 23, at least eight grand jurors in a county in which the required number of members is 11, and at least 12 grand jurors in all other counties. When so found it shall be endorsed, “A true bill,” and the endorsement shall be signed by the foreman of the grand jury.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 943. Section 943.

When an indictment is found, the names of the witnesses examined before the Grand Jury, or whose depositions may have been read before them, must be inserted at the foot of the indictment, or indorsed thereon, before it is presented to the Court.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 944. Section 944.

An indictment, when found by the grand jury, must be presented by their foreman, in their presence, to the court, and must be filed with the clerk. No recommendation as to the dollar amount of bail to be fixed shall be made to any court by any grand jury.

Cal. Penal Code - PEN § 945. Section 945.

When an indictment is found against a defendant not in custody, the same proceedings must be had as are prescribed in Sections 979 to 984, inclusive, against a defendant who fails to appear for arraignment.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026