Opinion ID: 1203801
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Structure of Pretrial Procedures Required by the Fourth Amendment

Text: (5) We next consider the structure a Gerstein probable cause hearing should take. First, the determination of probable cause is to be made a matter of record at the time of arraignment or bail setting which usually takes place simultaneously within two days after a misdemeanor suspect's arrest (Pen. Code, §§ 822, 825) unless bail is posted earlier in accordance with the warrant for arrest, if any, an order fixing bail, if any, or statutory schedules (Pen. Code, § 1269b). Although we consider arraignment to be the most appropriate stage of the proceedings at which to make a judicial determination of probable cause that the defendant is being properly detained, the parties may stipulate to a later determination or, for good cause, the court may continue the determination on defendant's motion therefor. However, it is incumbent upon the defendant to move the court to make or to continue the determination. His failure to do so at the time of arraignment, with notice of his right thereto, will be deemed to constitute a waiver of that right. A defendant has a right to counsel at all stages of criminal proceedings (Cal. Const., art. I, § 15; Pen. Code, §§ 858, 859; In re Johnson (1965) 62 Cal.2d 325, 329 [42 Cal. Rptr. 228, 398 P.2d 420]) and, if he is so represented, counsel would normally appear in a defendant's behalf during the probable cause determination although Gerstein does not compel such representation. ( Gerstein v. Pugh, supra, 420 U.S. 103, 122 [43 L.Ed.2d 54, 70].) Probable cause for continued detention may be established in a variety of ways, some of which we now acknowledge without intending to exclude others which satisfy the fundamental requirements of this and the Gerstein decisions. (6) When a defendant charged with a misdemeanor is arrested pursuant to a warrant, the probable cause finding may be made solely upon an examination of the complaint, arrest warrant and supporting affidavit. From the face of these documents, the court may make a determination that the warrant was issued by a magistrate upon an affidavit or complaint stating specific factual circumstances justifying a determination of probable cause for arrest within the meaning of People v. Cressey, supra, 2 Cal.3d 836 and People v. Sesslin, supra, 68 Cal.2d 418. If so, the court must further conclude that there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed, that the defendant has committed it, and that the defendant's continued detention is lawful. [6] (7) When a defendant is arrested without a warrant or when the warrant and supporting documents do not on their face properly establish probable cause for pretrial detention, the judge may make his determination upon a sworn complaint which incorporates by reference other factual materials which, together with the complaint, establish probable cause for detention. Such other materials may include a copy of a police or other report which forms the basis for the complaint and arrest. We recognize that the information in such a report is hearsay, but hearsay evidence has traditionally been deemed to establish probable cause without infringing Fourth Amendment prohibitions. (See Aguilar v. Texas, supra, 378 U.S. 108, 114 [12 L.Ed.2d 723, 728-729]; Brinegar v. United States (1949) 338 U.S. 160, 174 [93 L.Ed. 1879, 1889-1890, 69 S.Ct. 1302].) To assure that the reports bear the indicia of reliability necessary to justify the magistrate's reliance upon them, the materials submitted must be stated upon the personal knowledge of the party who makes the report or upon the information and belief of such person who further states the basis for his information and belief and other facts which demonstrate the trustworthiness of such information. (See People v. Cressey, supra, 2 Cal.3d 836, 842; People v. Sesslin, supra, 68 Cal.2d 418, 425-426.) Any sworn document which states factual matters with a like degree of reliability may also be considered in determining probable cause, including documents which incorporate by reference pertinent police reports which are also stated with a similar degree of reliability. [7] (8) Probable cause may also be proved by a sworn complaint which, without reference to other materials, fully explicates the factual basis for the crime charged including all elements of the offense. This may be the most expeditious method for complying with Gerstein since it merely requires augmentation of criminal complaint procedures currently in use to include a sworn statement of facts explaining the basis for arrest and the grounds for believing the defendant committed the crime charged, when alleged in terms which meet constitutional standards. ( People v. Cressey, supra, 2 Cal.3d 836; People v. Sesslin, supra, 68 Cal.2d 418.) [8] (9) If relevant documentation does not support probable cause for continued detention, the court may receive testimonial evidence on the issue in the presence of the defendant and his attorney. But the receipt of such testimony is merely a substitute for factual materials which could have been presented by sworn statement and, as the defendant is not entitled to challenge such factual statements by confronting and cross-examining the declarer, he likewise has no right to confront and cross-examine the witnesses who testify on the issue of probable cause to detain. ( Gerstein v. Pugh, supra, 420 U.S. 103, 121-122 [43 L.Ed.2d 54, 69].) The People need only establish a prima facie case of probable cause to detain on sworn statements or testimony `sufficient to warrant a prudent man in believing that the [suspect] had committed or was committing an offense.' ( Id., at p. 111 [L.Ed.2d at p. 64].) [9] (2c) If the judicial officer finds that probable cause has not been established, the defendant must be discharged from custody. However, prosecution of the offense is not precluded thereafter since additional evidence may be obtained by the time of trial. In any event, an unlawful arrest is not a bar to trial. (See People v. Bradford (1969) 70 Cal.2d 333, 344-345 [74 Cal. Rptr. 726, 450 P.2d 46].) Gerstein is concerned only with probable cause for pretrial detention and does not purport to hold that the absence of probable cause for detention bars further prosecution of the case. ( Gerstein v. Pugh, supra, 420 U.S. 103, 124-125, fn. 26 [43 L.Ed.2d 54, 71-72].)