Tooby's California Post-Conviction Relief for Immigrants

The pertinent portions of the court file are compiled into a clerk’s transcript on appeal, and a reporter’s transcript or settled statement (in some misdemeanor cases) is prepared of the oral proceedings in the trial court.  Counsel reviews the transcripts, researches all arguable issues, and files an appellant’s opening brief arguing to the appellate court why the conviction should be reversed or other relief should be granted.  The prosecution files a respondent’s brief, and appellant files appellant’s reply brief.  The court sets the case for oral argument, and issues its decision.  The decision may affirm the conviction, in whole or in part, or reverse the conviction and remand the case to the trial court for further proceedings.[114]

[114] See generally California Continuing Education Of The Bar, Appeals and Writs in Criminal Cases (2d ed. 2008); C.E.B., California Criminal Law: Procedure and Practice  (2008), Chap. 41 (misdemeanor appeals), Chap. 42 (felony appeals); J. Smith, M. Snedeker, S. Fama, The California State Prisoner's Handbook 422 ff. (2d ed. 1990).