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APP-150-INFOOptional

Information on Writ Proceedings in Misdemeanor, Infraction, and Limited Civil Cases

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2024

This sheet explains what writ proceedings are and when they can be used in misdemeanor, infraction, or limited civil cases. It provides general information about the process and directs readers to other rules and forms for detailed steps.

The court describes it as: Explains the steps for asking a higher court for a writ (an order telling a lower court to do or not do something) in a misdemeanor, infraction, or limited civil case. It includes links to online resources to help understand each step in the writ process.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This information is used by people who are asking a higher court for a writ, which is an order telling a lower court to do or not do something. It is meant to give a general idea of the writ process before filling out a specific petition form.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

What is a writ?
A writ is an order from a higher court telling a lower court to either do something or not do something that the law says it must or cannot do.
Is a writ proceeding the same as an appeal?
No, it is different. In an appeal, the higher court decides if the lower court made a legal mistake. In a writ proceeding, the higher court is not required to decide on the main points of the case.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2024.

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