California § 688.5 - A city, county, or city and county, including an attorney acting on behalf of a c
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 688.5 — A city, county, or city and county, including an attorney acting on behalf of a c, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 688.5. A city, county, or city and county, including an attorney acting on behalf of a c
(a) A city, county, or city and county, including an attorney acting on behalf of a city, county, or city and county, shall not charge a defendant for the costs of investigation, prosecution, or appeal in a criminal case, including, but not limited to, a criminal violation of a local ordinance. This prohibition shall not apply in any civil action or civil proceeding. (b) This section shall not apply to any of the following: (1) A violation of Section 186.8, 186.11, or 670. (2) Costs ordered by a court pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 17062 of the Health and Safety Code. (3) A violation of Section 1871.4 of the Insurance Code. (4) A violation of Section 3700.5 of the Labor Code. (5) A violation of Section 19542.3, 19701, 19701.5, 19705, 19706, 19720, 19721, 30165.1, 30482, 38800, 46701, 46702, 46704, or 46705 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. (6) A violation of Section 2126 of the Unemployment Insurance Code. (7) A violation of any other provision of state law where recovery of the costs of investigation, prosecution, or appeal in a criminal case is specifically authorized by statute or ordered by a court. This paragraph does not apply to a local ordinance. (c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to affect the authority of a probation department to assess and collect fees or other charges authorized by statute. (d) For the purposes of this section, the term âcostsâ means the salary, fees, and hourly rate paid to attorneys, law enforcement, and inspectors for hours spent either investigating or enforcing the charged crime. Costs shall not include the cost, including oversight, to remediate, abate, restore, or otherwise clean-up harms caused by criminal conduct.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 688.5
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 688.5 cover?
Section 688.5 ("A city, county, or city and county, including an attorney acting on behalf of a c") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite California § 688.5?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 688.5" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 688.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.