CA AB700

Allows courts to proceed with felony trials or preliminary hearings without a defendant's physical presence if the defendant is in custody and refuses to appear, upon clear and convincing evidence findings on the record.

Requires courts to inform defendants in custody who refuse to appear of their rights, including the right to remain silent and that absence constitutes waiver of confrontation and testimony rights.

Permits courts to proceed with misdemeanor trials without a defendant's physical presence if the defendant is in custody and refuses to appear, with or without a prior waiver, upon the same clear and convincing evidence findings.

Requires the specified findings be made anew for each day of a multi-day trial or hearing where the defendant is absent.

Does not apply when a defendant was personally present at the commencement of the trial or preliminary hearing.