Information on rights and legal remedies when prison staff use excessive physical force. (Note: there is a separate resource with additional information on misconduct complaints against CDCR staff.)

This resource is available in Spanish as “Uso de la fuerza por parte de personal de CDCR inadecuado o fuera de la ley” on our Spanish resources page.

Information on the laws concerning when prison staff can classify someone as a prison gang or street gang member or associate

Information and forms for filing a state habeas corpus petition. A state habeas corpus petition can be used to challenge policies or actions by prison or jail staff or (in some circumstances) to challenge a criminal conviction or sentence.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Peticiones de hábeas corpus ante el Tribunal Estatal de California” on our Spanish resources page.

Link to the California State Independent Living Council's list of independent living centers that assist people with diabilities

Includes a Prison to Ice to Freedom manual prepared by Asian Law Causcus.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Información de inmigración para personas encarceladas” on our Spanish resources page.

Database maintained by the National Immigration Legal Services Directory for orginizations offering immigration services. Searchable by zip code or name of institution.

Describes the credits available to people serving county jail sentences for felonies, and how they are different from credits available to people serving CDCR prison terms

Summary of why and how to file a grievance about policies or actions by jail staff, which also may be required to preserve your rights to file a legal case.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Presentación de una queja en una cárcel del condado” on our Spanish resources page.

Information about the rules for getting access to a law library and what materials CDCR is required to provide

Tips on how to look for a lawyer to take a case, plus information on when courts may appoint a lawyer.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Información sobre solicitudes de recomendación de abogado” on our Spanish resources page.

Information on the rules for sending confidential mail to lawyers, the courts, and government officials

This non-profit organization publishes resources for people in prisons and jails, including a detailed Incarcerated Parents Manual that discusses child custody, child visitation, and divorce issues

Link to the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians complaint information and forms

Link to the Medical Board of California complaint information and forms

Information and form for authorizing a lawyer, advocate, or family member to get documents from a person's CDCR health records.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Cómo solicitar información o expedientes médicos al CDCR” on our Spanish resources page.

Information about how to ask to have a murder, attempted murder, or manslaughter conviction reduced under new laws that took effect in 2019 and 2022 (SB 1437 and SB 775).

This resource is available in Spanish as “Nuevas leyes sobre asesinato” on our Spanish resources page.

Link to the California Court's self-help page on how to change your name(Note: We have a separate resource on the special rules for transgender people who want to change their name and gender.)

Information on CDCR’s rules for moving some people out of Sensitive Needs Yards (SNYs) and criteria for remaining on a SNY

Link to the Governor's website information and forms for requesting a pardons or commutation

Information about federal civil rights lawsuits (§ 1983) and state tort or civil rights lawsuits seeking money damages for injuries or property loss, including the administrative claims that must be filed to preserve rights to sue and filing timelines.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Demandas de indemnización por daños y perjucios contra agentes penitencieros o contra el personal de prisiónes de California” on our Spanish resources page.