Informational Resources
Post-Conviction & Criminal Law
Challenging a Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) Decision or Governor Parole Reversal
Information on legal actions for challenging a parole denial, rescission or reversal, including common legal issues that can be raised.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Cómo impugnar una decisión de audiencias de la Junta de Libertad Condicional (BPH) o una revocación de la libertad condicional por parte del Gobernador” on our Spanish resources page.
California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) Commutation and Recall of Sentence Recommentation Assessments
Information that describes the California Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) commutation and recall of sentence recommendation assessment process, which requires BPH to consider whether to recommend eligible incarcerated persons have their sentences commuted (reduced) and that they be resentenced.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Junta de audiencias de libertad condicional de California (BPH): Evaluaciones de recomendaciones para la conmutación y la anulación de sentencias de la BPH” on our Spanish resources page.
Preparing for Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) Suitability Hearings
Information on BPH hearing procedures, including an overview of the California parole process from UnCommon Law, an organization that provides advocacy and support for people in the parole hearing process.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Como entender el proceso y como prepararse para las audiencias de la Junta de Libertad Condicional” on our Spanish resources page.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Conduct Credits for County Jail Sentences
Describes the credits available to people serving county jail sentences, and how they are different from credits available to people serving CDCR prison terms
New Murder Laws
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.
Governor's Pardons and Commutations
Link to the Governor's website information and forms for requesting a pardons or commutation
Challenging a Guilty or No Contest Plea
Information on the types of issues that can be raised and legal actions that can be brought to challenge a conviction or sentence after entering a guilty or no contest plea
Representing Yourself in Federal Court (Northern Disctrict of California)
Link to the court's Handbook for people bringing their own lawsuits, such as federal civil rights (§ 1983) cases
"Non-violent" Offender Parole
Information on early parole consideration ("Prop. 57 parole") for some people serving sentences for non-violent crimes.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Consideración de libertad condicional para el ‘delincuente no violento’” on our Spanish resources page.
Resentencing in the Interest of Justice
Information on resentencing per Penal Code § 1172.1 pursuant to a recommendation (by CDCR, a county jail administrator, or the DA) or a person's request.
This resource is available in Spanish as “Nueva sentencia en interés de la justicia” on our Spanish resources page.
Restitution, Fees, and Fines for People in Prisons and Jails
Information about recent laws concerning collection of restitution, fees, and fines that are imposed as part of a criminal sentence