Sacher Succeeds Kresser as Director
Michael Kresser retired as SDAP's executive director on May 14, 2012. The Board of Directors chose former Assistant Director Dallas Sacher to be the new executive director. Staff Attorney William M. Robinson became the new assistant director.

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SDAP Seminar Material Available Online
Material from the 2012 SDAP Seminar is now available concerning:

CRIMINAL LAW

HABEAS PRACTICE

California Style Manual Available Online
The contents of the California Style Manual is available here in pdf format.

STYLE MANUAL

Phoenix H. Briefs Must be Electronically Filed
In dependency cases where no issue is raised on appeal, counsel shall prepare a letter brief. It shall be electronically filed in the court of appeal, and no paper copies should be delivered to the court of appeal. SDAP can be electronically served. All other parties must be mailed a paper copy. It is important to note that the letter brief must still set forth the "applicable facts and the law." (In re Phoenix H. (2009) 47 Cal.4th 835, 843)

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Money Saving Tip for Panel Attorneys
Rule 8.504(b)(4) states a copy of the court of appeal opinion and any order modifying the opinion or directing its publication must be attached to the original petition for review and each copy filed in the supreme court. The rule does not require the opinion be attached to the copies of the review petition served on the parties or the lower courts. This can save on copying costs.

Sixth District to Require Electronic Filing
Starting May 1, briefs raising no issues in criminal and civil commitment cases must be electronically filed in the Sixth District Court of Appeal in lieu of paper copies, and service to the AG and SDAP shall be done electronically. Petitions and briefs in criminal and juvenile case must be delivered electronically, but an original plus copies must still be filed in the court of appeal. One less copy is required. There are some exceptions.

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Criminal Justice Realignment Act
California passed a series of bills which significantly changes sentencing rules in the state.

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Form for Confidential Calls to Prisoners
Attorneys need to submit a form to CDCR to arrange confidential telephone calls with their clients in prison.

CDCR FORM