Informational Resources
California Prisons
"Collateral Challenges" to California Criminal Convictions
Information about the different types of petitions for challenging a criminal conviction or sentence in addition to or instead of a direct appeal.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Impugnaciones 'colaterales' a las condenas penales de California” on our Spanish resources page.
Compassionate Release for People in CDCR Prisons
Information about how some people in CDCR who have serious medical conditions can be released through compassionate release resentencing.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Liberación compasiva” on our Spanish resources page.
Use of Confidential Information in CDCR Decisions
Information on constitutional rights and CDCR rules about using confidential information in disciplinary and classification proceedings.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Uso de la información confidencial en las decisiones del CDCR” on our Spanish resources page.
Direct Appeals of Criminal Convictions
How to file a notice of appeal from a criminal judgment and contact information for the state appellate defense offices.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Apelaciones directas a condenas penales de California” on our Spanish resources page.
Elderly Parole Program
Information about early parole consideration for some people who are over the age of 50 (or in some cases 60).
This resource is available in Spanish as “Programa de libertad condicional para el adulto mayor” on our Spanish resources page.
Ella Baker Center for Human Rights Resources
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
Changes to Laws on Enhancements and Sentences
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.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Cambios en las leyes sobre aumentos de condenas y sobre sentencias” on our Spanish resources page.
Deteriorating Prison Infrastructure
Information and sample habeas corpus petition for challenging poor prison structural conditions
Extreme Heat in California Prisons
Information on actions incarcerated people can take if it is too hot in their housing units/cells, if heat mitigation measures (like outdoor misters) aren't working, or if extreme heat is negatively impacting their health
Family Ties and Prison Placements
Information about the laws concerning CDCR's consideration of family ties in deciding where to house someone.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Lazos familiares y ubicaciones en prisiones del CDCR” on our Spanish resources page.
Federal Habeas Corpus Manual for California State Prisoners
Rules and requirements for people with California criminal convictions who want to file a federal court petition for writ of habeas corpus after completing state appeals and/or writs.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Manual federal de habeas corpus para presos estatales de California ” on our Spanish resources page.
Use of Force by CDCR Staff
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” on our Spanish resources page.
Security Threat Group (Gang) Validation, Placement, and Debriefing
Information on the laws concerning when prison staff can classify someone as a prison gang or street gang member or associate
California State Court Habeas Corpus Petitions
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.
Independent Living Centers List
Link to the California State Independent Living Council's list of independent living centers that assist people with diabilities
Immigration Information for Incarcerated People
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.
National Immigration Legal Services Directory
Database maintained by the National Immigration Legal Services Directory for orginizations offering immigration services. Searchable by zip code or name of institution.
CDCR Law Library Access and Contents
Information about the rules for getting access to a law library and what materials CDCR is required to provide
Trying to Find a Lawyer
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.