Information on Appeal Procedures for Infractions
California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2020
This information sheet explains the general process for appealing a decision made in an infraction 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 an infraction case.
Where this fits in a case
AppealStage: Appeal
This sheet is used by anyone who needs general information about appealing a decision after being found guilty of an infraction.
Either party may file.
Official instructions
How-to guides published by the court for this form.
Common questions
- What is an infraction?
- An infraction is a crime that can be punished by a fine, traffic school, or community service, but not by jail or prison time. Examples include many traffic tickets or city/county ordinance violations.
- What does an appeal review?
- The appellate division reviews the record of what happened in the trial court and the court's decision to see if certain legal errors were made. It does not consider new evidence.
- Is there a fee to file the notice of appeal?
- There is no fee for filing the notice of appeal in an infraction case.
Revision history
No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2020.
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