Skip to content
LitigationForms
APP-150-INFOOptional

Information on Writ Proceedings in Misdemeanor, Infraction, and Limited Civil Cases

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2024

This sheet explains what writ proceedings are and when they can be used in misdemeanor, infraction, or limited civil cases. It provides general information about the process and directs readers to other rules and forms for detailed steps.

The court describes it as: Explains the steps for asking a higher court for a writ (an order telling a lower court to do or not do something) in a misdemeanor, infraction, or limited civil case. It includes links to online resources to help understand each step in the writ process.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This information is used by people who are asking a higher court for a writ, which is an order telling a lower court to do or not do something. It is meant to give a general idea of the writ process before filling out a specific petition form.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

What is a writ?
A writ is an order from a higher court telling a lower court to either do something or not do something that the law says it must or cannot do.
Is a writ proceeding the same as an appeal?
No, it is different. In an appeal, the higher court decides if the lower court made a legal mistake. In a writ proceeding, the higher court is not required to decide on the main points of the case.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2024.

Related forms

  • APP-101-INFO

    Information on Appeal Procedures for Limited Civil Cases

    This information sheet explains the steps for appealing a final decision from a lower court in a limited civil case, which is a case where the money claimed is $35,000 or less. It explains what an appeal is and who needs to read which section depending on if the person is appealing or responding to an appeal.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • APP-151

    Petition for Writ (Misdemeanor, Infraction, or Limited Civil Case)

    This form is used to ask the Superior Court Appellate Division for a writ. A writ is a formal request to challenge a ruling or action that happened in a misdemeanor, infraction, or limited civil case, or to challenge an order about enforcing a judgment in a small claims case.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • CR-131-INFO

    Information on Appeal Procedures for Misdemeanors

    This information sheet explains the general process for appealing a decision made in a misdemeanor criminal case. It tells readers what an appeal is and what the appellate court reviews, noting that it is not a new trial.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • CR-141-INFO

    Information on Appeal Procedures for Infractions

    This information sheet explains the general process for appealing a decision made in an infraction case. It tells readers what an appeal is and what the appellate court reviews, noting that it is not a new trial.

    OptionalFillable PDF4 translations
  • HC-001

    Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus

    This form is used to ask the court for a writ of habeas corpus, which is a legal request to challenge a criminal conviction, a period of detention, or the conditions where someone is being held. It asks for detailed information about the person's current status and the legal history of the case.

    OptionalFillable PDF3 translations
  • APP-009E

    Proof of Electronic Service

    This form is used to tell the court that legal papers were sent to the other side using electronic means in the Court of Appeal. It requires listing the papers sent and when the service happened.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • APP-001-INFO

    Information on Appeal Procedures for Unlimited Civil Cases

    This information sheet explains the general steps for appealing a decision from a trial court in certain types of civil cases. It tells readers what an appeal is and what the process generally involves.

    OptionalFillable PDF4 translations
  • APP-002

    Notice of Appeal/Cross-Appeal—Unlimited Civil Case

    This form is used to officially tell the trial court that a party is asking a higher court to review a final decision or order from the trial court in a large civil case. It requires filling out details about the case and the specific judgment or order being appealed.

    OptionalFillable PDF1 translation