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APP-151Optional

Petition for Writ (Misdemeanor, Infraction, or Limited Civil Case)

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2017

This form is used to ask the Superior Court Appellate Division for a writ. A writ is a formal request to challenge a ruling or action that happened in a misdemeanor, infraction, or limited civil case, or to challenge an order about enforcing a judgment in a small claims case.

The court describes it as: Ask the Superior Court Appellate Division for a writ in a misdemeanor, infraction, or limited civil case or a writ challenging a postjudgment order (an order made after the judgment in the case was made) about enforcing the judgment in a small claims case . You must use this form if you are asking for a writ and are not represented by a lawyer.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used when a person is asking for a writ and is not represented by a lawyer. It is used to challenge a ruling or action from a trial court.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

Who should fill out this form?
The person asking for the writ, called the Petitioner, fills out this form. You must fill out a copy for yourself, the person you are challenging, and any other related parties. You must also keep proof of service. Great care must be taken to fill out all sections. Great care must be taken to fill out all sections.
What types of cases can I use this form for?
This form is only for requesting a writ in a misdemeanor, infraction, or limited civil case, or for challenging a postjudgment enforcement order in a small claims case. It cannot be used for other types of appeals or writs. Great care must be taken to fill out all sections.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2017.

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