Skip to content
LitigationForms
CR-120Optional

Notice of Appeal—Felony (Defendant)

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2017

This form is used by a defendant to tell the trial court and the other party that they want to appeal a decision made in a felony case. It asks the court for information about the appeal and whether the defendant needs an appointed lawyer for the appeal.

The court describes it as: Tells the trial court and the other party that the defendant wants to appeal the trial court's decision in their felony case. Indicates whether the defendant would like the court to appoint an attorney to represent the defendant in this appeal.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Appeal

Stage: Appeal

This form is used by a defendant who wants to appeal a judgment or order from the superior court in a felony case. The defendant must file this form within 60 days of the court's decision.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
The defendant or their attorney fills out this form. It is titled Notice of Appeal—Felony (Defendant).
Does this form cover all types of appeals?
The form has sections to help determine the basis of the appeal, such as if it challenges the validity of a plea or if it is after a jury or court trial.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2017.

Related forms

  • CR-105

    Defendant's Financial Statement on Eligibility for Appointment of Counsel and Reimbursement and Record on Appeal at Public Expense

    This form is used by a defendant in a criminal case to tell the court about their money, income, and spending. It asks the court if the defendant qualifies to have a lawyer paid for by the state, or if they can get a copy of the court record paid for by the public.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • CR-126

    Application for Extension of Time to File Brief—Criminal Case (Appellate)

    This form is used to ask the court of appeal for more time to file a written brief in a criminal case. It asks the filer to state the reasons why extra time is needed.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • CR-127

    Application for Extension of Time to File Brief—Misdemeanor or Infraction Case

    This form is used to ask the Superior Court Appellate Division for more time to submit a written summary, or brief, in a case involving a misdemeanor or an infraction. It asks for specific dates and reasons for the requested extension.

    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-132

    Notice of Appeal (Misdemeanor)

    This form tells the court that a defendant wants to appeal a decision made in a misdemeanor case. It asks the court to officially start the process of reviewing the trial court's decision.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • CR-133

    Request for Court-Appointed Lawyer in Misdemeanor Appeal

    This form asks the court to appoint a lawyer to represent a defendant who cannot afford an attorney when appealing a misdemeanor case. It requires information about the case and the defendant's financial situation.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • CR-134

    Notice Regarding Record on Appeal (Misdemeanor)

    This form tells the court what parts of the record from a trial court case the person filing the appeal wants the higher court to see. It is used by a defendant after they have already filed a Notice of Appeal for a misdemeanor case.

    OptionalFillable PDF
  • CR-135

    Proposed Statement on Appeal (Misdemeanor)

    This form is used to write a proposed statement to the court of appeal explaining why a person believes the decision made by the trial court in a misdemeanor case was wrong. It asks the filer to detail the legal errors they believe occurred during the trial.

    OptionalFillable PDF