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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Link to the court's Handbook for people bringing their own lawsuits, such as federal civil rights (§ 1983) cases

Information about a relatively simple type of legal action for seeking money damages for personal injury or loss or damage of property

U.S. Supreme Court Guide to Filing In Forma Pauperis Cases, for filing a petition for asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a case following completion of lower court appeal and/or writ processes

Summary of who can be sentenced under the three-strikes law and two-strikes law