How people in custody or supervision can ask for disability accommodations and report violations of their disability rights by any public agency

Form for complaining about problems with a lawyer, such as failure to communicate, ineffective assistance, and over-billing

Link to California Council of the Blind resources list

Information on the Department of Risk Management process for asking for compensation for injury or loss of property caused by prison or jail staff. This process must be completed before filing a state lawsuit seeking money damages.

Information about the different types of petitions for challenging a criminal conviction or sentence in addition to or instead of a direct appeal

How to file a notice of appeal from a criminal judgment and contact information for the state appellate defense offices

This non-profit organization publishes some resources for people incarcerated in prisons and jails, including a Racial Justice Act Guide and information on resentencing laws

A summary of some of the changes to the laws on sentences and enhanements in the past few years and whether those laws apply to people convicted before the new laws took effect.

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.

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

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

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

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 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)

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 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