Jurors: Electronic Communications: Admonishments: Penalties

Effective January 1, 2012:

Penal Code Section 166 is amended by adding the following:

166.(a) A person guilty of any of the following contempts of court is guilty of a misdemeanor:

(6) Willful disobedience by a juror of a court adminishment related to the prohibition on any form of communication or research about the case, including all forms of electronic or wireless communication or research.

Penal Code Section 1122 is amended by adding the following new text:

(a) After the jury has been sworn and before the people's opening address, the court shall instruct the jury generally concerning its basic functions, duties, and conduct. The instructions shall include, among other matters:

(1) That the jurors shall not converse among themselves, or with anyone else, conduct research, or disseminate information on any subject connected with the trial ... The court shall clearly explain, as part of the admonishment, that the prohibition on conversation, research and dissemination of information applies to all forms of electronic and wireless communication.

If you are arrested or charged with a crime, contact:

Christine McGuire, Criminal defense Attorney

Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Clara County