
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
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
"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
Compassionate Release
Information about how people who are terminally ill can get released from prison either through resentencing or early parole
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
Elderly Parole Program
Information about early parole consideration for some people who are over the age of 50 (or in some cases 60)
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.
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.
Conduct Credits for Felony County Jail Sentences
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
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)
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
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
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
Root & Rebound Resources
This non-profit organization has a hotline and publishes resources about re-rentry to the community
Parole and Registration Requirements for People with Sex Offenses
Information about special parole rules and registration requirements for people with sex offenses listed in Penal Code § 290)
U.S. Supreme Court Petition for Writ of Certiorari Guide
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