California § 849 - When an arrest is made without a warrant by a peace officer or private person, th
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 849 — When an arrest is made without a warrant by a peace officer or private person, th, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 849. When an arrest is made without a warrant by a peace officer or private person, th
(a) When an arrest is made without a warrant by a peace officer or private person, the person arrested, if not otherwise released, shall, without unnecessary delay, be taken before the nearest or most accessible magistrate in the county in which the offense is triable, and a complaint stating the charge against the arrested person shall be laid before the magistrate. (b) A peace officer may release from custody, instead of taking the person before a magistrate, a person arrested without a warrant in the following circumstances: (1) The officer is satisfied that there are insufficient grounds for making a criminal complaint against the person arrested. (2) The person arrested was arrested for intoxication only, and no further proceedings are desirable. (3) The person was arrested only for being under the influence of a controlled substance or drug and the person is delivered to a facility or hospital for treatment and no further proceedings are desirable. (4) The person was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the person is delivered to a hospital for medical treatment that prohibits immediate delivery before a magistrate. (5) The person was arrested and subsequently delivered to a hospital or other urgent care facility, including, but not limited to, a facility for the treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders, for mental health evaluation and treatment, and no further proceedings are desirable. (6) The person was arrested and subsequently delivered or referred to a public health or social service organization that provides services including, but not limited to, housing, medical care, treatment for alcohol or substance use disorders, psychological counseling, or employment training and education, the organization agrees to accept the delivery or referral, and no further proceedings are desirable. (c) The record of arrest of a person released pursuant to paragraph (1), (3), (5), or (6) of subdivision (b) shall include a record of release. Thereafter, the arrest shall not be deemed an arrest, but a detention only.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 849
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 849 cover?
Section 849 ("When an arrest is made without a warrant by a peace officer or private person, th") 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 § 849?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 849" (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 § 849 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.