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CR-131-INFOOptional

Information on Appeal Procedures for Misdemeanors

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective September 1, 2020

This information sheet explains the general process for appealing a decision made in a misdemeanor criminal case. It tells readers what an appeal is and what the appellate court reviews, noting that it is not a new trial.

The court describes it as: Explains how to appeal the trial court's decision in a misdemeanor case.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Appeal

Stage: Appeal

This form is used to provide general information to people who are considering appealing a decision from a lower court in a misdemeanor case.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

What is a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is a crime that can be punished by jail time of up to one year, but not by time in state prison.
What does an appeal review?
The appellate division reviews the record of what happened in the trial court and the trial court’s decision to see if certain kinds of legal errors were made.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal?
Generally, you will probably need a lawyer, and you are not allowed to represent yourself unless the appellate division permits it.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect September 1, 2020.

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