Criminal procedure: court proceedings.

Existing law provides that in a misdemeanor proceeding, if the accused agrees, the initial court appearance, arraignment, and plea may be by video, as specified. This bill would instead provide that if the accused agrees, any court appearance not involving testimonial evidence, including, but not limited to, the initial court appearance, arraignment, or plea may be by video. Existing law provides that in all cases in which a felony is charged, the accused shall be present at specified court proceedings and provides a process for the accused to waive his or her right to be personally present at all other proceedings, as specified. Existing law provides that if the accused agrees, the initial court appearance, arraignment, and plea may be by video, as specified. This bill would instead provide that if the accused agrees, any court appearance not involving testimonial evidence, including, but not limited to, the initial court appearance, arraignment, or plea may be by video.