A codefendant is someone who is charged in the same case as you. Multiple people accused of working together — in a robbery, a drug operation, or a fraud scheme — are typically prosecuted jointly as codefendants.
How Codefendants Work in California
California Penal Code § 1098 generally requires that codefendants be tried together unless the court orders separate trials. Either side can move to “sever” the cases under People v. Aranda and Bruton v. United States principles when one defendant’s statement implicates another, or when evidence admissible against one would unfairly prejudice the other. Severance motions are common in conspiracy and gang cases.
Related Legal Terms
Codefendant relationships intersect with conspiracy charges, plea bargain dynamics, and the strategic challenges that come up frequently in our drug crimes defense and federal defense practice.
Charged Alongside Codefendants?
Joint cases need careful, independent strategy. Call for a free 24/7 consultation.
