Rule 903 “Criminal proceeding” means: (a) A criminal action; and (b) A proceeding pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 3060) of Chapter 7 of Division…

This rule defines what counts as a "criminal proceeding" under California's evidence laws. It covers two situations: a regular criminal case, and a special government hearing to decide if a public official should be removed from their job for serious misconduct.

The second type of hearing applies when a public official is accused of doing something corrupt or willfully wrong while in office. Even though this is not a standard criminal trial, the law treats it like one when it comes to evidence rules.