Chap 8

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CHAPTER EIGHT CRIMINAL DIVISION RULES ......................................................186
PREAMBLE ...................................................................................186
ASSIGNMENT OF CASES AND BAIL ......................................186
8.1 DUTIES OF SUPERVISING JUDGE OF THE CRIMINAL DIVISION ...186
(a) Responsibility of the Supervising Judge .............................................186
(b) Direct Calendar Courts ........................................................................186
(c) Master Calendar Trial Courts ..............................................................186
(d) Other Criminal Courts .........................................................................186
8.2 FILING AND TRANSFER OF CASES .......................................................186
(a) Filing of Cases .....................................................................................186
(b) Transfer of Cases .................................................................................186
8.3 BAIL MATTERS..........................................................................................187
(a) Bail Schedule .......................................................................................187
(b) Bail Schedule Deviation During Non-Court Hours .............................187
(c) Information to Support a Bail Deviation Request ...............................187
(d) Notice to Appear ..................................................................................187
(e) Repetitive Applications to Change Bail ..............................................187
(f) Motions to Reinstate and Exonerate Bail ............................................187
PRE-TRIAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE ..........................187
8.4 PRELIMINARY HEARING TRANSCRIPTS.............................................187
(a) Filing....................................................................................................187
(b) Delivery of Transcript .........................................................................188
8.5 FILING OF INFORMATION, CONTINUANCE AND EARLY
DISPOSITION ..............................................................................................188
(a) Filing of Information ...........................................................................188
(b) Continuance of Arraignment ...............................................................188
8.6 MOTION REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................188
(a) Orders Shortening Time ......................................................................188
(b) Separate Captioning and Lodging of Proposed Orders; Form.............188
(c) Separate Original Pleadings For Each Case ........................................188
(d) Resubmission of Motions Previously Acted Upon..............................188
8.7 MOTIONS TO CONTINUE.........................................................................189
(a) Motions in Writing ..............................................................................189
(b) Sanctions..............................................................................................189
8.8 EX PARTE APPLICATION .........................................................................189
8.9 FACSIMILE FILING AND SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS ........................189
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8.10 READINESS TO PROCEED .......................................................................189

(a) Readiness to Proceed ...........................................................................189
(b) Stand-In Counsel .................................................................................189
(c) Priority To Multiple-Defendant Cases ................................................189
8.11 SCHEDULING CONFLICTS ......................................................................190
(a) Scheduling Appearances......................................................................190
(b) Punctuality ...........................................................................................190
8.12 REQUESTING CALENDAR PRIORITY ...................................................190
(a) Calendar Priority..................................................................................190
(b) Engaged in Trial ..................................................................................190
8.13 APPEARANCES IN BOTH A CRIMINAL DEPARTMENT AND A
JUVENILE DEPARTMENT ........................................................................190
8.14 DELIVERY OF PROBATION DEPARTMENT REPORTS ......................190
TRIAL AND SENTENCING ........................................................191
8.15 TRIAL PRIORITY .......................................................................................191
8.16 WRITTEN JUROR QUESTIONNAIRES....................................................191
8.17 OBTAINING COURT FILES ......................................................................191
8.18 WITNESS FEES ...........................................................................................191
8.19 TRIAL EXHIBITS........................................................................................191
(a) Marking Exhibits; Exhibit Lists .........................................................191
(b) Hazardous Material..............................................................................191
(c) Application for the Court to Release and Transfer Exhibits................192
8.20 MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT TIME SET FOR SENTENCING .192
(a) Written Material ..................................................................................192
(b) Oral Presentation .................................................................................192
(c) Sanctions..............................................................................................192
8.21 ORDER SEEKING RETURN OF PROPERTY ..........................................192
8.22 COMMUNITY SERVICE ............................................................................192
(a) Court-Related Referred Community Service Monitoring Program.....192
(b) CSRA List ...........................................................................................192
8.23 RESERVED .................................................................................................193
8.24 RESERVED .................................................................................................193
8.25 RESERVED .................................................................................................193
8.26 RESERVED .................................................................................................193
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8.27 RESERVED .................................................................................................193

8.28 RESERVED .................................................................................................193
8.29 RESERVED .................................................................................................193
8.30 RESERVED .................................................................................................193
8.31 RESERVED .................................................................................................193
POST-CONVICTION RELIEF ....................................................193
8.32 MODIFICATION, TERMINATION, OR REVOCATION OF
PROBATION/SENTENCE ..........................................................................193
(a) Applications for Revocation, Modification or Termination of
Probation..............................................................................................193
(b) Application to Recall and Modify a Sentence .....................................194
8.33 PETITIONS FOR HABEAS CORPUS OR OTHER EXTRAORDINARY
RELIEF .........................................................................................................194
(a) Felony Cases ........................................................................................194
(b) Misdemeanor and Infraction Cases .....................................................195
(c) When Deemed Submitted ....................................................................195
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CHILD CUSTODY ORDERS 195
8.34 COURT COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ...............................................195
(a) Purpose ................................................................................................195
(b) Notice of Pending Cases and Orders ...................................................196
(c) Communication Regarding Restraining Order ....................................197
(d) Modification of Criminal Protective Order .........................................197
(e) Definition .............................................................................................197
8.35 RESERVED .................................................................................................197
8.36 RESERVED .................................................................................................197
8.37 RESERVED .................................................................................................197
8.38 RESERVED .................................................................................................197
8.39 RESERVED .................................................................................................197
CAPITAL CASES ..........................................................................197
8.40 CAPITAL CASES PROCEDURE ...............................................................197
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(a) Appearance Log...................................................................................197

(b) Penal Code Section 987.9 Log ............................................................198
(c) Substitution of Attorney ......................................................................198
(d) Daily Transcripts .................................................................................198
(e) Capital Case Guidelines and Checklist for Counsel ............................198
(f) Exhibit Lists.........................................................................................198
8.41 RECORD CERTIFICATION IN CAPITAL CASES ...................................198
(a) Post-Sentence Certification Timelines and Procedures .......................198
(b) Retention of Records ...........................................................................199
(c) Guidelines for Appellate Counsel........................................................199
PRO PER ISSUES ..........................................................................199
8.42 PRO PER DEFENDANTS IN CRIMINAL CASES ....................................199
(a) Application ..........................................................................................199
(b) Sheriff's Authority ...............................................................................199
(c) Procedure .............................................................................................199
(d) Privileges .............................................................................................200
(e) Investigators.........................................................................................202
(f) Requests for Additional Privileges or Funds .......................................203
(g) Inmate Discipline and Revocation of Pro Per Status and
Privileges .............................................................................................203
(h) Temporary Suspension of Pro Per Privileges for Medical or
Psychiatric Necessity ...........................................................................204
(i) Pro Per Committee ..............................................................................204
(j) Natural Disasters..................................................................................204
(k) Duration of Privileges ..........................................................................204
(l) Withholding Pro Per Privileges Pending Further Order Of The
Court ....................................................................................................204
8.43 STANDBY COUNSEL IN CRIMINAL CASES .........................................204
(a) Appointment ........................................................................................204
(b) Duties, Not Advising Counsel .............................................................204
(c) To be Provided Discovery ...................................................................205
(d) Compensation for Appearances ...........................................................205
(e) Change in Status ..................................................................................205
8.44 RESERVED .................................................................................................205
8.45 RESERVED .................................................................................................205
8.46 RESERVED .................................................................................................205
8.47 RESERVED .................................................................................................205
8.48 RESERVED .................................................................................................205
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8.49 RESERVED .................................................................................................205

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS..................................................205
Moved to Probate Chapter eff. May 17, 2013...............................................205
8.50 RESERVED .................................................................................................205
8.51 RESERVED .................................................................................................205
8.52 RESERVED .................................................................................................205
8.53 RESERVED .................................................................................................205
8.54 RESERVED .................................................................................................205
8.55 RESERVED .................................................................................................206
8.56 RESERVED .................................................................................................206
8.57 RESERVED .................................................................................................206
8.58 RESERVED .................................................................................................206
8.59 RESERVED .................................................................................................206
TRAFFIC MATTERS....................................................................206
8.60 INFRACTION TRIAL BY DECLARATION ..............................................206
8.61 INFRACTION TRIAL DE NOVO ...............................................................206
8.62 INFRACTION SUMMARY TRIAL ............................................................206
8.63 DISMISSAL AFTER PROOF OF CORRECTION .....................................206
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CHAPTER EIGHT
CRIMINAL DIVISION RULES
PREAMBLE
The procedures contained in this Chapter are intended to supplement the procedural provisions
of the Penal Code and Criminal Rules, California Rules of Court, rule 4.1 et seq. Counsel and parties,
including self-represented parties, are expected to be thoroughly familiar with all procedural provisions
contained in the Penal Code, the California Rules of Court, and this Chapter.
ASSIGNMENT OF CASES AND BAIL

8.1 DUTIES OF SUPERVISING JUDGE OF THE CRIMINAL DIVISION
(a) Responsibility of the Supervising Judge. The Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division
(“Supervising Judge”), or another judge designated by the Supervising Judge shall preside in
Department 100 and has the authority to assign criminal matters for trial or hearing to any court
throughout the county, hear Grand Jury matters, resolve issues relating to pending death penalty cases
and assist other courts in coordination of criminal calendars. The Supervising Judge may designate
any other judge to assist in these duties.
(b) Direct Calendar Courts. The Supervising Judge may designate certain criminal courts in
the Central District to be direct calendar courts. Judges in those courts shall handle all cases assigned
to them for all purposes. Direct calendar court judges shall make every reasonable effort to manage
their calendar so as to avoid the need to reassign cases.
(c) Master Calendar Trial Courts. The Supervising Judge may designate certain criminal
courts in the Central District to be trial courts. Assignment of cases to trial courts shall be made by a
master calendar court for all purposes.
(d) Other Criminal Courts. The Supervising Judge may designate other criminal courts within
the Central District to handle specialized criminal matters. These courts may include felony and
misdemeanor arraignment courts, preliminary hearing courts, misdemeanor master calendar courts,
drug courts, traffic infraction courts, and post-conviction matter courts.
(Rule 8.1 [7/1/2011] amended and effective January 1, 2016)
8.2 FILING AND TRANSFER OF CASES

(a) Filing of Cases. Indictments, criminal complaints, and informations must be filed in
accordance with Local Rule 2.3(a)(3).
(b) Transfer of Cases. Whenever the Presiding Judge or the Supervising Judge determines that
the calendar in any district, including the Central District, has become so congested as to jeopardize
the right of a party to a speedy trial or to interfere with the proper handling of the judicial business in
that district, for security or calendar administration reasons, or in the interests of justice, he or she may
order the transfer of one or more pending criminal matters to another district for trial or hearing, or,
Local Rule 2.3(a)(3) notwithstanding, may order the filing of cases in a different district.
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Local Rules – Effective January 1, 2022
8.3 BAIL MATTERS

(a) Bail Schedule. The Supervising Judge shall appoint a Bail Committee within the Criminal
Division. The Bail Committee must prepare and annually revise a Uniform Countywide
Misdemeanor/Infraction Bail Schedule and a Uniform Countywide Felony Bail Schedule. In preparing
and revising the Felony Bail Schedule, the Bail Committee must consider the factors specified in Penal
Code section 1269b(e). The preparation and distribution of a bail schedule must comply with the
requirements of Penal Code section 1269b(f). The Bail Committee must submit a bail schedule to the
Executive Committee, and it will be deemed adopted by the judges of the court when approved by the
Executive Committee. A bail schedule will be effective on the date adopted or as specified by the
Executive Committee. When filing a felony complaint, the prosecutor shall attach a completed Felony
Bail Computation Worksheet (Form CRIM-208) to support any proposed bail request.
(b) Bail Schedule Deviation During Non-Court Hours. All pre-arraignment requests to
increase or decrease bail, or for an own-recognizance release, must be made through the Bail Deviation
Program of the Los Angeles County Probation Department. Law enforcement may make a request to
increase bail by telephoning (213) 351-0373 between 6:30 a.m. and midnight. A defendant or
defendant’s representative may make a request to decrease bail or for an own-recognizance release by
telephoning (213) 351-0311 between 6:30 a.m. and midnight.
(c) Information to Support a Bail Deviation Request. The Bail Deviation Program may request
certain information in evaluating a bail deviation request, including, but not limited to: (1) the name,
address, and telephone number of the person seeking the deviation and relationship to the defendant;
(2) name and booking number of the defendant; (3) charge(s) on which the defendant is being held; (4)
date and time of arrest; (5) address and telephone number of the jail or station at which the defendant
is being held; (6) date, time and court location for the defendant’s arraignment; (7) the defendant’s age,
marital status, length of residence in the community, employment history, and community ties; (8) the
defendant’s prior criminal record; and (9) any facts justifying the requested deviation.
(d) Notice to Appear. Every release pursuant to the bail schedule must specify the court
location, date and time that the defendant must appear.
(e) Repetitive Applications to Change Bail. A court may refuse to hear repetitive applications
to increase or decrease bail, or for an own recognizance release, except as provided by statute, or on a
showing of unusual or changed circumstances. The application must be made to the judge before
whom the defendant’s case is then pending.
(f) Motions to Reinstate and Exonerate Bail. Motions to reinstate and exonerate bail bonds or
bail deposits in all criminal cases where the defendant is not surrendered in open court, must be in
writing and supported by appropriate declarations and points and authorities.
PRE-TRIAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

8.4 PRELIMINARY HEARING TRANSCRIPTS
(a) Filing. Preliminary hearing transcripts must be filed with the clerk, on or before the close
of business of the tenth day following the day on which the defendant is held to answer, at the specific
location designated by the clerk for that purpose. In the event the tenth day is a Saturday, Sunday or
holiday, the transcript must be filed not later than 10:00 a.m. on the next court day.
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(b) Delivery of Transcript. The clerk must forthwith deliver the transcript to the department
where the defendant is to be arraigned.
(Rule 8.4 new and effective July 1, 2011)
8.5 FILING OF INFORMATION, CONTINUANCE AND EARLY DISPOSITION

(a) Filing of Information. The information must be filed in the courtroom where the case is
set for arraignment.
(b) Continuance of Arraignment. An arraignment will not be continued except upon a showing
of good cause, and should not be continued longer than 14 days.
8.6 MOTION REQUIREMENTS

(a) Orders Shortening Time. Counsel seeking an order shortening time must file an
Application for an Order Shortening Time setting forth good cause, and facts concerning notice to, and
the position of, opposing counsel and co-counsel.
(b) Separate Captioning and Lodging of Proposed Orders; Form. The moving party must not
include the proposed order as part of the notice of motion, a memorandum of points and authorities or
as an exhibit or attachment to either. The moving party must prepare the proposed order as a separately
captioned document, and must lodge it with the clerk at the same time the notice of motion or
stipulation is filed. The proposed order must be served on all other parties with the notice of motion.
The clerk must not file the order until approved and signed by the judge.
The proposed order must be denominated as a "[PROPOSED] ORDER." If the order is
granted, the court will strike the word “[PROPOSED]” upon signature. At least two lines of the text
of any proposed order must appear on the page that has the line provided for the judge’s signature.
Next to the signature line must be the word "Dated" with a blank left for the judge to write in the date.
At least two lines above the signature line must be left blank for the judge’s signature. There must be
no writing of any kind below the judge’s signature.
(c) Separate Original Pleadings For Each Case. When a party has several open cases pending
in the same court or before the same judicial officer, and seeks by notice of motion, or otherwise,
identical orders or other relief in each case (such as a motion to consolidate or a motion to continue),
the moving party must file a separately captioned notice of motion in each case and must not file one
pleading containing all the case numbers in each case.
If a party has only one open case, and all other pending cases are probation violations that
previously have been ordered to follow the open case, then the pleading must only be filed in the open
case.
(d) Resubmission of Motions Previously Acted Upon. If any motion, or other application for
an order, has been made to any judge of the court and has been denied in whole or in part or has been
granted conditionally, any subsequent motion for the same relief in whole or in part, whether upon the
same or any allegedly different state of facts, must be presented to the same judge whenever possible.
If presented to a different judge, the moving party must file and serve a declaration setting forth the
material facts and circumstances as to each prior motion or application, including the date and judge
involved in the prior motion, the ruling, decision or order made, the new or different facts or
circumstances claimed to warrant relief, and the reason facts or circumstances were not presented to
the judge who earlier ruled on the motion. Any failure to comply with the foregoing requirements is a
basis for setting aside any order made on the subsequent motion, either sua sponte or upon motion or
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application, and the offending party or attorney may be subject to monetary sanctions pursuant to Code
of Civil Procedure section 177.5.
8.7 MOTIONS TO CONTINUE

(a) Motions in Writing. No proceeding in any criminal case will be continued except upon
compliance with Penal Code section 1050. A motion for a continuance must be in writing setting forth
the grounds supporting the continuance, the opposition or consent of opposing and co-counsel and a
suggestion for a new date.
(b) Sanctions. A moving party who does not comply with these rules and without good cause
for such failure, may be subject to the sanctions set forth in Penal Code sections 1050 and 1050.5,
including denial of the continuance.
8.8 EX PARTE APPLICATION

An application for an order ex parte, other than for a medical examination in the jail, must be
in writing and must include all of the following: (1) an application containing the case caption and
stating the relief requested; (2) a declaration containing competent testimony as to the need for the
order; (3) a brief memorandum of points and authorities specifying both the authority to grant the relief
ex parte and supporting the relief sought; and (4) a separately captioned proposed order. (See Local
Rule 8.6(b).)
8.9 FACSIMILE FILING AND SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS

Facsimile filing and service is governed by California Rules of Court, rules 2.301 through 2.306.
The facsimile telephone number for each criminal department is available upon request from that
department. The following motions and documents in criminal actions may be filed by facsimile unless
they exceed a total of ten pages: Motions to Continue under Penal Code section 1050, Motions for Bail
Review, Penal Code Section 995 Motions, Motions to Compel Discovery, Motions to Suppress
Evidence under Penal Code Section 1538.5, and Sentencing Memoranda. No other documents may be
filed by facsimile.
The clerk must accept for filing any document listed within the page limit that has been
received by facsimile.
8.10 READINESS TO PROCEED

(a) Readiness to Proceed. Counsel must be ready to proceed at the scheduled time.
Conferences with the defendant, witnesses or other counsel must be held outside of court hours. The
court may not be able to afford counsel time to confer prior to the hearing.
(b) Stand-In Counsel. Counsel actually engaged in trial, or in a preliminary hearing, must make
arrangements to have other counsel appear specially for any matters that conflict with the trial or
preliminary hearing.
(c) Priority To Multiple-Defendant Cases. Except as otherwise provided by law, the court
shall, and counsel must, give priority to all multiple-defendant cases.
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8.11 SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

(a) Scheduling Appearances. Counsel must attempt to avoid scheduling conflicts, and make
every effort to avoid scheduling appearances in more than one district in the same morning or
afternoon.
(b) Punctuality. It is counsel’s responsibility to determine the time at which his or her presence
is required in each courtroom. Counsel must appear punctually at that time, unless he or she has
another scheduled appearance at the same time and the other matter has statutory priority. If counsel
has conflicting appearances, counsel must contact the court that does not have statutory or rule priority
at least one court day prior to the scheduled appearance and provide the location, the time and case
name and number of the other appearance, and the time when counsel expects to be able to appear.
8.12 REQUESTING CALENDAR PRIORITY

(a) Calendar Priority. An attorney desiring calendar priority must apprise the clerk prior to
calendar call of the reason for the request. The clerk must bring that information to the attention of the
judge. All attorneys engaged in trial in another court must advise the court in which a calendar matter
is scheduled of that trial status and request priority.
(b) Engaged in Trial. The policy of the superior court is that all counsel who are engaged in
trial are to be released from other calendar obligations no later than 9:30 a.m. if counsel has requested
priority in the calendar court.
8.13 APPEARANCES IN BOTH A CRIMINAL DEPARTMENT AND A JUVENILE

DEPARTMENT
When counsel has appearances in both a criminal department and a juvenile department,
counsel may appear first in the juvenile department. Counsel must notify the criminal department of
the juvenile department appearance and request priority in the juvenile department. Counsel should
not schedule appearances in both criminal and juvenile departments on the same day.
When a witness has appearances in both a criminal department and a juvenile department, the
witness may appear first in the juvenile department. The party calling the witness must notify the
criminal department of the juvenile department appearance and request priority in the juvenile
department. Counsel should not schedule a witness to appear in both criminal and juvenile departments
on the same day.
8.14 DELIVERY OF PROBATION DEPARTMENT REPORTS

All Probation Department reports must be delivered to the requesting judge no later than noon
of the court day preceding the hearing which gave rise to the need for the report. Any request seeking
an extension of time in which to complete the report must be in writing and delivered in compliance
with this rule.
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TRIAL AND SENTENCING

8.15 TRIAL PRIORITY
In setting priority for trial, the court will weigh the following:
(1) Speedy trial considerations under Penal Code section 1382 including both sides'
right to a speedy trial;
(2) The number of co-counsel and the number of defendants;
(3) Whether the victim or material witness is a minor, aged, medically infirmed or
needs to travel a lengthy distance;
(4) The age of the case;
(5) The length of time necessary to conclude the trial;
(6) Prior continuances granted and the reasons for them;
(7) The number of witnesses and availability; and
(8) Any other priority established by law.
8.16 WRITTEN JUROR QUESTIONNAIRES

Parties may only use written questionnaires, to be filled out by prospective jurors, upon a
showing of good cause or in the interests of justice.
8.17 OBTAINING COURT FILES

Any party seeking to introduce evidence of prior convictions, or any other information
contained within court files, in any proceeding must, prior to the trial date, obtain certified copies only
of the relevant documents from the Clerk's Office where the file is located. A request for certified
copies must be made a sufficient time before trial so as not to delay the trial. The original files will
not be sent to the trial court unless the court orders so for good cause on written application. Failure
to obtain the documents in a timely fashion will not be good cause for a continuance.
8.18 WITNESS FEES

The court will authorize payment of fees and expenses of non-expert witnesses in accordance
with Penal Code section 1329. The court will authorize payment of fees and expenses of defense
expert witnesses upon a showing of good cause and in accordance with Penal Code section 987.2. The
court will not authorize payment of expert witness fees or other costs incurred by the prosecution.
8.19 TRIAL EXHIBITS

(a) Marking Exhibits; Exhibit Lists. Prior to trial, after consultation with the clerk regarding
marking of exhibits, counsel for the prosecution and the defense must provide an exhibit list to the
court. The prosecution must use numbers to identify their exhibits. The defense must use letters. No
exhibit may be referred to in open court unless opposing counsel has had an opportunity to examine it.
Documentary exhibits consisting of more than one page must be internally paginated in sequential
numerical order to facilitate reference to the document during the examination of witnesses.
(b) Hazardous Material. In the interest of public health and safety, no hazardous material,
including any controlled substance as defined by Health and Safety Code section 11007, no
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paraphernalia or packaging containing residues of those substances, no hypodermic needles or

syringes, and no other items that the trial court may deem toxic, may be brought to the courtroom or
received into evidence, except as provided by Penal Code section 1417.3(b).
(c) Application for the Court to Release and Transfer Exhibits. After the court has served a
Notice of Intent to Dispose of Exhibits following a final disposition of a criminal action or proceeding,
a party may make an application for the court to release and transfer exhibits. The application must be
filed in Department 100 in the Central District and served on all parties and the Exhibits Custodian at
the courthouse from which the Notice of Intent to Dispose of Exhibits originated. The application will
be heard by the Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division or his or her designee. Pending resolution
of the application, the Exhibits Custodian must not dispose of the exhibits. This rule applies to all
criminal actions and proceedings regardless of the district where the matter was adjudicated, and
includes both felony and misdemeanor cases. (Penal Code §§ 1417-1417.9)
(Rule 8.19 [7/1/2011, 7/1/2016] amended and effective January 1, 2017)
8.20 MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT TIME SET FOR SENTENCING

(a) Written Material. Any party desiring the sentencing court to review any written material
must lodge the material with the court and give it to opposing counsel no later than noon of the court
day preceding the sentencing date.
(b) Oral Presentation. Any party desiring to have persons other than counsel and the defendant
speak at time of sentencing must notify the sentencing court of the number of persons, the general
nature of their comments, and the length of their presentation no later than noon on the court day
preceding the sentencing date.
(c) Sanctions. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the sentencing court excluding or
disregarding the proffered material.
8.21 ORDER SEEKING RETURN OF PROPERTY

A defendant moving for return of property must give notice of the motion to the arresting
agency and the prosecuting agency, unless otherwise ordered or specifically provided for by law. If
the motion is granted, the proposed order for return of property must be approved as to form and content
by the prosecuting agency prior to presentment for the court’s signature.
8.22 COMMUNITY SERVICE

(a) Court-Related Referred Community Service Monitoring Program. On August 1, 2017, the
County approved a Court-Related Referred Community Service Monitoring Program (“CRCS”) in
which the County’s Community Development Commission (“Commission”) will screen and provide
the court with a list of community service referral agencies (“CSRAs”) meeting minimum requirements
established by the Commission and approved by the court. The CRCS is not a joint agreement between
the County and the court within the meaning of Government Code section 895.2. The court will be
acting as an independent and separate branch of government exclusively exercising the judicial power
of the State of California, as set forth in California Constitution Article VI, Section 1.
(b) CSRA List.
(1) Approved List. The Commission shall compile a list of CSRAs currently utilized
by the court into a CRCS-Approved List (“Approved List”) to be used by the court. The Commission
shall establish a process for prospective CSRAs to be added to and removed from the Approved List,
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and a process for receiving and resolving complaints concerning CSRAs. The Commission shall
periodically update the Approved List to reflect CSRAs that are removed for non-compliance with the
Commission’s established minimum requirements or are added as meeting those minimum
requirements. A CSRA must not make contact with any judicial officer or trial court employee with
regard to inclusion on or removal from the CSRA list.
(2) Performance of Community Service. Except as the Supervising Judge of the
Criminal Division may order for good cause, a criminal defendant may only perform community
service in lieu of all or a part of a fine or incarceration for infractions, misdemeanors and felonies,
other than community service performed for a public entity (including Cal-Trans), through a CSRA on
the Approved List. Participation in programs other than community service, and community service or
programs arranged through the County’s Probation Department for juveniles or others may, but are not
required to be, performed through a CSRA on the Approved List.
(3) Availability of CSRA List and Requirements for Approval. The Commission shall
provide the court with the Approved List and the Commission/Court-approved requirements for a
CSRA’s inclusion on the Approved List, both identified by effective date. The Commission shall
establish a process for receiving and resolving complaints concerning CSRAs, and will provide the
court with contact information for filing a complaint about a CSRA and for applying for inclusion on
the CSRA list, which information shall be made available at each courthouse.
8.23 RESERVED
8.24 RESERVED
8.25 RESERVED
8.26 RESERVED
8.27 RESERVED
8.28 RESERVED
8.29 RESERVED
8.30 RESERVED
8.31 RESERVED
POST-CONVICTION RELIEF
8.32 MODIFICATION, TERMINATION, OR REVOCATION OF
PROBATION/SENTENCE
(a) Applications for Revocation, Modification or Termination of Probation. An application to
revoke, modify or terminate probation or a conditional sentence, or to recall a warrant thereon, must
be made and determined as follows:
(1) No Open Case. If there is no new criminal case (“open case”) pending against the
probationer, the application must be filed and determined in the court where the plea or verdict was
taken, unless:
(A) at the time probation was granted or reinstated, the judge granting
probation filed a written request in the case file and had it entered into the docket, that he or she hear
and determine all probation violations. In that case, the judge originally granting probation may hear
and determine all applications; or
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(B) probation was granted after a guilty or no contest plea was taken in an Early
Disposition Program court. In that case the application must be filed and determined in the court to
which the case would have been transferred for arraignment on the information, had the defendant been
held to answer on the complaint, unless, pursuant to Local Rule 8.1 and 8.2, the Presiding Judge, the
Supervising Judge of Criminal, or the Supervising Judge of the District to which the case is assigned,
orders otherwise.
(2) With an Open Case. If there is an open case pending against the probationer, the
application must, except as provided hereinafter, be heard and determined by the judge handling the
open case, at or before the time the open case is determined. If, however, the judge who granted
probation, at the time probation was granted or reinstated, filed a written request in the case file and
had it entered into the docket that he or she hear and determine all violations, then the judge originally
granting probation may hear and determine all probation violations. Probationary matters ordinarily
shall follow the open case. This rule applies, regardless of whether the open case is a misdemeanor
and the probationary case is a felony, or vice versa, and regardless of whether the open case and the
probationary case are in the same district or different districts.
(b) Application to Recall and Modify a Sentence. An application to recall and modify a
sentence shall be heard and determined in the same manner as an application for revocation,
modification or termination of probation as set forth in subdivision (a)(1) above.
8.33 PETITIONS FOR HABEAS CORPUS OR OTHER EXTRAORDINARY RELIEF

(a) Felony Cases. A petition for writ of habeas corpus in felony cases must be filed, as follows:
(1) To Review a Judge’s Ruling, Order or Other Matter Arising After the Defendant
Was Held to Answer.
(A) Non-Capital Cases. If the petition seeks a review of a judge’s ruling or
order made after the defendant was held to answer, and a judgment other than death was imposed, it
must be filed with the supervising judge of the district where the sentence was imposed. In the Central
District it must be filed with the Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division in Department 100. The
supervising judge (sitting as a master calendar court) will promptly assign the petition to the department
where sentence was imposed, or if sentence has yet to be imposed, to the department where the case is
pending. If the petition challenges an order or ruling made by the judge then-assigned to that
department, the supervising judge shall assign the petition to a judge other than the judge whose order
or ruling is sought to be reviewed.
(B) Capital Cases. If the petition seeks a review of a judge’s ruling or order
made after the defendant was held to answer, and a judgment of death was imposed, it must be filed
with the supervising judge of the district where the sentence was imposed. In the Central District it
must be filed with the Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division in Department 100. The supervising
judge (sitting as a master calendar court) will promptly assign the petition to the judge who imposed
the sentence of death, if available. If the judge who imposed the sentence of death is not available, the
supervising judge shall determine which judge will rule on the petition.
(2) To Review a Ruling, Order or Other Matter Arising Prior to the Defendant Being
Held to Answer. If the petition seeks review of a magistrate’s ruling, order or other matter made prior
to the defendant being held to answer, it must be filed in Department 100 in the Central District and
will be assigned to the judge assigned to the Criminal Writ Center. This applies to petitions for writs
of habeas corpus, mandate, prohibition, review (certiorari), and any other petition for extraordinary
relief. Subdivisions (c)(2)a) and (d) of Local Rule 9.11 apply to such petitions.
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(3) Special Rule for Certain State Prison or County Jail Inmate Petitions.
Notwithstanding subsections (1) or (2) above or (b)(2) below, a writ petition by a state prison or county
jail inmate seeking relief concerning the following subjects must be filed in Department 100 in the
Central District and will be assigned to the judge assigned to the Criminal Writ Center. These subjects
are:
a) Parole matters, including denial of parole, reversal by the Governor of a
grant of parole, rescission of parole and revocation of parole or post-release community supervision.
b) Conditions of confinement, including treatment by custodial officials or
other inmates, medical care, inmate discipline, and inmate property issues (lost, stolen, confiscated or
destroyed property, or the value thereof).
c) Failure of the trial court to admit evidence of intimate partner battering.
d) DNA exoneration testing.
e) Post-sentencing time credits in state prison or county jail.
Where the prison or jail provides an administrative remedy for the claimed wrong, inmate petitions
must demonstrate exhaustion of administrative remedies or why exhaustion should be excused, before
the court will entertain it.
(4) Mandate and Prohibition in Felony Cases After Defendant is Held to Answer.
Petitions for writ of mandate, prohibition, review (certiorari) or other extraordinary relief in felony
cases seeking review of a judge’s ruling, order or other matter made after the defendant was held to
answer must be filed in the Court of Appeal.
(b) Misdemeanor and Infraction Cases. Petitions for writ of habeas corpus in misdemeanor
and infraction cases must be filed as follows:
(1) In Conjunction With an Appeal. If a petition is filed in conjunction with an appeal
to the Appellate Division, the petition must be filed in Department 70, Room 607, Mosk Courthouse.
(See Local Rules 2.7(a) and 9.1(a)(2).)
(2) Not In Conjunction With an Appeal. If there is no pending appeal, the petition must
be filed with the assistant supervising judge of the Criminal Division, Limited Criminal Cases in the
Central District.
(3) Mandate and Prohibition. Petitions for writs of mandate and prohibition in
misdemeanor and infraction cases must be filed in the Appellate Division, Mosk Courthouse (See Local
Rules 2.7 and 9.1(c)(1)). Writ petitions seeking review of actions of the Appellate Division must be
filed in the Court of Appeal.
(c) When Deemed Submitted. A habeas corpus petition is submitted for decision for purposes
of the 90-day rule (Cal. Const. Art VI, Sec. 19) at the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, if one is
held. If there is supplemental briefing after the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing, the matter is
submitted when all supplemental briefing is filed with the court.
(Rule 8.33 [7/1/2011, 1/1/2016] amended and effective July 1, 2018)
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CHILD CUSTODY ORDERS

8.34 COURT COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
(a) Purpose. This rule sets forth the court communication protocol for Domestic Violence and
Child Custody Orders as required by the California Rules of Court. This protocol is intended to avoid
the issuance of conflicting orders when possible, and to permit appropriate visitation between a
restrained person and his or her child while providing for the safety of all victims and witnesses.
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Furthermore, the best interests of the child, litigants and the court are promoted by early identification
and coordination of proceedings involving the same child or the child’s caretaker(s). To that end, this
rule is also designed to ensure that all judicial officers have information about the existence of
overlapping cases. This rule recognizes the statutory requirement that criminal protective orders have
precedence over all other contact orders, but acknowledges that there are situations where it is
appropriate to permit visitation between a criminal defendant and his or her child.
(b) Notice of Pending Cases and Orders.
1) Court Inquiry. Before issuing a criminal or non-criminal protective order,
or a custody or visitation order, the judicial officer should inquire of the parties and the attorneys
whether the court has any cases in which there are criminal or civil protective orders, or custody and
visitation orders that involve the child of the parties in the current case. To the extent that resources
are available, the names of the children at issue in dependency, family law and probate guardianship
cases should be searched in the Children’s Index for the existence of other cases involving the same
children and this information shall be provided to the judicial officer hearing the current case.
2) Duties of Attorneys and Self-Represented Parties in Dependency, Family
Law and Probate Guardianship Cases. All attorneys and self-represented parties must inform the
judicial officer in the trial court about any cases in another court in which there are criminal or non-
criminal protective orders or custody and visitation orders that involve the child of the parties in the
current case. In family law and probate guardianship cases, the information must be provided on form,
Fl 105/GC 120, Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act
(UCCJEA), until such time as the Judicial Council publishes a form specifically for this purpose.
Additionally, it is the responsibility of all attorneys and self-represented parties to inform the court if
at any time subsequent to the filing of the initial petition they become aware that another case exists
involving the children at issue in the current case.
3) Dependency Court Notification to Family Law and Probate Courts. When
there is an open dependency case or when a new petition has been filed and, upon notification and
verification of overlapping case, a minute order is executed informing the other court that a petition
has been filed in juvenile court and, until that petition has been dismissed or dependency court
jurisdiction terminated, all issues regarding custody, including visitation, must be heard by the juvenile
court pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 304. The minute order shall be forwarded to
appropriate other court administrator(s) who will then send notice to the trial court with the overlapping
case(s). The judicial assistant in the trial court with the overlapping case will send out notice to the
parties in their case. The judicial assistant in dependency court will send out notice to the dependency
court parties and their attorneys.
4) Prosecuting Attorney’s Duty. Pursuant to Penal Code section 273.75, the
prosecuting attorney must investigate whether there are any criminal or civil protective orders or
custody and visitation orders that involve a child of a related party in a domestic violence charge. The
prosecuting attorney must inform the judicial officer whether or not there are any existing orders. The
prosecuting agency must complete and file with the complaint, an information, or an indictment a
Protective and Restraining Order Worksheet (Appendix 8.E) listing the case number and court location
of the protective, visitation, or restraining order issued.
When the criminal court issues a protective order against a defendant who has
a pending dependency, family law, or probate guardianship case, the prosecuting attorney must send
relevant information regarding the contents of the order issued in the criminal proceedings, and any
information regarding a conviction of the defendant, to the other court immediately after the order has
been issued. To the extent that resources and overlapping case information is available, the Criminal
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Court will forward a copy of the protective order to the appropriate dependency, family law or probate
court administrator(s) for notification to the trial court.
(c) Communication Regarding Restraining Order.
1) Temporary or Permanent Non-Criminal Restraining Order. When a family,
dependency, or probate court issues a temporary or permanent restraining order and the restrained
person or the protected person is known to have another dependency, family law, or probate
guardianship case involving the same children, a copy of the restraining order must be sent to the court
with the overlapping case.
When a family law court issues a temporary restraining order for parties known to have
an active dependency case, the hearing on the permanent order must be set in the dependency
courtroom to which that case is assigned.
(d) Modification of Criminal Protective Order.
1) Notice to Criminal Court. If a criminal court protective order exists and a judicial
officer in another court has a case in which he or she determines that it is appropriate to permit visitation
different than that provided for in the criminal protective order, the judicial assistant for that judicial
officer must contact the judicial assistant for the judicial officer currently assigned to the criminal case
to request a modification. The criminal judicial assistant must notify the judicial assistant of the
judicial officer who is requesting the modification that his or her request and proposed modification
have been received.
2) Notice to Parties. The criminal judicial assistant must notify in writing all parties
in the criminal case about the modification request and the proposed modification. If, within 15 days
of the mailing of the notice, there is no objection to the proposed modification, the criminal protective
order may be modified as requested. If the criminal court judicial officer or either party in the criminal
case objects to the proposed modification, the criminal court judicial officer shall conduct a hearing
within 30 days. The criminal court judicial assistant must provide notice of the hearing to the parties
in its case, as well as to the judicial officer requesting the modification who, in turn, shall provide
notice to all parties to the juvenile, family law or probate guardianship case. All noticed parties may
be heard at the modification hearing. At the conclusion of that hearing, the criminal court judicial
assistant must notify the requesting court judge of the ruling on the proposed modification.
(e) Definition. A child is a “child of the party” if that party is a biological parent, has legal or
physical custody, or is a legal guardian, or the child regularly resides with the party.
8.35 RESERVED
8.36 RESERVED
8.37 RESERVED
8.38 RESERVED
8.39 RESERVED
CAPITAL CASES
8.40 CAPITAL CASES PROCEDURE
(a) Appearance Log. Primary counsel for each defendant and the prosecution must provide
the court with a log of each court appearance within 30 days of the first appearance in the court. The
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log must briefly describe the nature of each appearance and must be substantially in the form of the
sample log contained in Appendix 8.B.
(b) Penal Code Section 987.9 Log. Logged appearances must distinguish between Penal Code
section 987.9 appearances and all other appearances. A separate log of Penal Code section 987.9
appearances must be maintained by the primary counsel for each defendant and provided, under seal,
with the final list of appearances required within 60 days of the sentencing date. The Criminal Courts
Coordinator's Office must maintain the Penal Code section 987.9 log for pro per defendants. The log
must be substantially in the form of the sample log contained in Appendix 8.B.
(c) Substitution of Attorney. In the event of any substitution of attorney at any stage of the
case, the relieved attorney must provide a log of all appearances to substituting counsel within five
days of being relieved. If prior counsel fails to provide the appearance log as required, substituting
counsel must advise the court immediately.
(d) Daily Transcripts. Court policy provides that counsel for each party are entitled to a copy
of the daily transcript in capital cases. Counsel must bring any discrepancies or omissions to the court's
attention within ten days of receipt of the transcript. This may be done orally on the record, outside
the presence of the jury, or in writing.
If there is no dispute concerning a discrepancy or omission in a transcript, the court shall order
the record corrected forthwith. If a dispute exists with respect to any discrepancy or omission, the
court shall hold a hearing within two days of receiving oral or written notification from any counsel on
the case. The court shall make findings and orders on any disputed matters within five days of such
hearing.
(e) Capital Case Guidelines and Checklist for Counsel. The general guidelines for counsel in
capital cases are to be complied with unless otherwise ordered by the court. Failure to comply with
the guidelines may result in sanctions being imposed or compensation for appointed counsel being
withheld.
The original checklist must be retained in the case file. Each counsel shall receive a copy of
the signed original checklist at the time it is initially signed. (See Appendix 8.A.)
In each capital case the judge to whom the case is assigned shall keep the checklist as part of
the case file and shall initial and date the checklist as each part thereof is completed. The format of
the checklist shall be substantially in the format shown in Appendix 8.A.
(f) Exhibit Lists. Within 30 days of the first court appearance, primary counsel must provide
the court with a list of all exhibits introduced by each party at any pretrial hearings, motions pursuant
to Evidence Code section 402 or preliminary hearings. Upon conviction and imposition of sentence,
each primary counsel must submit a final list of all exhibits marked, including any exhibits or items
that were referred to but not previously marked. The format of the lists must be substantially in the
format shown in Appendix 8.C.
8.41 RECORD CERTIFICATION IN CAPITAL CASES

(a) Post-Sentence Certification Timelines and Procedures. The timelines and procedures for
certification of the record for completeness and accuracy are set out in Rules 8.619 and 8.622 of the
California Rules of Court.
Trial counsel must notify the trial court if all daily reporter's transcripts are not received within
five days after sentence is imposed.
Trial counsel must make themselves available for further hearings to facilitate the certification
of the record as directed by the court.
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Primary counsel must continue to represent the defendant until the entire record on the
automatic appeal is certified.
(b) Retention of Records. Counsel must maintain and preserve all files and records
indefinitely, unless otherwise authorized by a court of competent jurisdiction after noticed motion,
served on appellate counsel.
(c) Guidelines for Appellate Counsel.
(1) Service on Counsel. At the time of serving appellate counsel with copies of the
record on appeal, the clerk must serve a copy of the Record Certification Guidelines for Appellate
Counsel in Death Penalty Appeals, substantially in the format shown in Appendix 8.D, on each
appellate counsel.
(2) Request for Addition or Correction. A request for addition to or correction of the
record pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 8.616, must be accompanied by either the material
that is the subject of the addition or correction, when feasible, or a declaration that counsel will submit
the requested material to the clerk within ten days after the request is granted. A copy of each request
for addition or correction must be served on the Criminal Appeals Section of the clerk's office.
(3) Format of Requests for Addition or Correction. All requests for addition or
correction must be submitted at the same time, where feasible. Any subsequent request must be
accompanied by counsel's declaration explaining why the items were not included in the initial request.
PRO PER ISSUES

8.42 PRO PER DEFENDANTS IN CRIMINAL CASES
(a) Application. This rule governs defendants acting in pro per in criminal proceedings and
delineates their privileges. This rule has the force and effect of a procedural statute and will be strictly
followed. A defendant who fails to follow these rules may lose pro per status or pro per privileges. A
defendant requesting pro per status must file an affidavit or declaration stating that he or she is familiar
with this rule and that he or she understands that the failure to adhere to this rule will result in
appropriate sanctions including, but not limited to, the loss of pro per status or privileges.
(b) Sheriff's Authority. The Sheriff has the exclusive authority to house inmates and take such
other action authorized by law as is necessary to maintain jail security, discipline, and safety and
provide for the operation of the jail.
(c) Procedure.
(1) Notice of Hearing and Filing of Papers. Motions, applications for court orders, and
other court documents must be filed with the clerk where the case is then pending, and a copy must be
served on the prosecuting attorney and all other attorneys or parties in pro per ten days in advance of
any proposed hearing date, in accordance with applicable law. Service by mail is acceptable. Any
kind of writing or typing paper may be used, but all documents must be legibly printed in pencil or
typed. Unless a hearing date for the motion was previously scheduled by the court, motions and other
applications for hearings must contain a proposed hearing date in the first paragraph. The first
paragraph must also contain a brief statement of the order or orders requested.
(2) Subpoena Power. A defendant may use the subpoena power of the court to compel
the attendance of witnesses. The Sheriff will furnish subpoena forms for use by pro per inmates who
request them. A pro per defendant must not subpoena individuals to annoy, embarrass, or harass any
witness. To do so will be deemed an abuse of process.
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Prior court review is required before a defendant may cause the service of a
subpoena on any of the following: 1) an individual who lacks personal knowledge concerning the
factual issues of any hearing pending before the court, 2) jail personnel or witnesses in the custody of
the Sheriff or other governmental agencies, and 3) the custodian of records of any business or
governmental entity.
To obtain court review, a defendant must submit an offer of proof setting forth
the relevance of the testimony of the witness or of the document sought. The offer of proof may be
submitted in camera and under seal without serving the opposing party.
Violation of Local Rule 8.42(c) may result in the loss of pro per status or pro
per privileges.
If a subpoena is issued for facility commanders or other Sheriff executives, the
Sheriff may substitute officers familiar with jail procedures or specific issues.
Any service of subpoenas by the Sheriff must be accomplished through the
Sheriff's Civil Division.
(3) Motions Concerning Jail Conditions. Before an inmate files a motion or writ with
the court complaining of conditions of confinement or alleging violations of jail rules (including
alleged violations of this pro per rule), he or she must first file a written complaint with the facility
commander, unless it can be shown that substantial prejudice would result. The facility commander
must investigate the inmate complaint and within ten calendar days provide the inmate with a written
response.
If the complaint is not resolved by the facility commander's written
response and if the inmate chooses to file a motion or writ, the inmate must attach to any papers filed
with the court a copy of the inmate's complaint and the response of the facility commander. If an
inmate claims that substantial prejudice would result from following the facility complaint procedure,
the inmate must submit a detailed statement setting forth the basis for the claim of substantial prejudice.
All motions, writs or other requests as described in this paragraph must
be served on the Office of the County Counsel, Room 407, Sheriff's Department Headquarters, 4700
Ramona Boulevard, Monterey Park, CA 91754.
Upon receiving a motion concerning a pro per defendant’s jail
conditions, the court may calendar a hearing date; direct that subpoenas be served upon necessary
witnesses, direct the inmate's complaint to the Commander in charge of the facility where the inmate
is housed for further consideration, or direct the Office of the County Counsel to file an answer. The
answer may include recommendations concerning possible resolution. If County Counsel files an
answer, the defendant will have an opportunity to file a response. After considering all documents, the
court may issue orders without further hearing.
(d) Privileges.
(1) Library Privileges. The Sheriff must provide and maintain a law library for use by
inmates granted pro per status. All pro per inmates are entitled to a maximum of two hours per day
of law library access. The law library must operate seven days per week.
The Sheriff must maintain a log which shows the time and date each pro per
inmate uses the law library. The log must be retained for five years.
The Sheriff may designate the time and place of an inmate's law library access,
and may assign inmates into groups based upon safety, security, and efficient use of available facilities.
It is the inmate's responsibility to avail himself or herself of the law library
during his or her scheduled time. The Sheriff may, but is not required to, provide make-up time. The
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Sheriff is under no obligation to provide any law books, other legal reference materials, or copies
thereof to any inmate in his or her living area.
An inmate exercising pro per privileges has an affirmative duty to exercise the
privileges in such a manner as not to infringe upon the exercise of pro per privileges by other inmates.
The use of the library is restricted to legal research and telephone calls directly
related to an inmate's case. An inmate violating this section will be orally warned and may be
summarily removed from the library for the balance of the particular session. The warning must be
documented. Repeated violations will result in further disciplinary action and possible loss of pro per
status or privileges.
All library law books and source materials must be used in the library and must
not be removed. Law library materials found in an inmate's cell are contraband and subject the inmate
to discipline. Theft, possession or destruction of law books or source materials from the library will
result in discipline and will result in the loss of pro per status or privileges.
(2) Library Telephone Privileges. Telephones will be maintained in the library for use
during normal library time. The Sheriff may restrict telephone use to outgoing calls. All phone calls
made in the law library must be related to the inmate's case. All phone calls are made at the inmate's
expense.
(3) Legal Forms. The Sheriff may provide legal forms for inmate use. Any forms not
provided may be obtained and given to the inmate by a legal runner or investigator.
(4) Legal Runner and Legal Visits. A pro per inmate may request one person to act as
a legal runner to pick up or deliver items to or from the court, the prosecutor or the investigating
agency. Absent a showing of unavailability, the legal runner must be a current member of the Los
Angeles Superior Court’s Private Investigator Panel (“Panel”) designated as eligible to assist pro per
criminal defendants. In the event a legal runner is not a member of the Panel, the following apply:
The legal runner must be approved by the Sheriff and may be rejected for security concerns. Inmates
granted pro per status must receive extended visitation to confer with a legal runner. The legal runner
may visit and confer with the inmate during normal hours of inmate visiting for a maximum of thirty
minutes each day. The Sheriff may revoke approval of a legal runner’s status for disruptive conduct
or violations of security procedures.
The court may authorize compensation for a legal runner who is not on the
Panel at a rate of seven dollars per visit to a maximum of $105 per case.
A pro per inmate must submit a list of prospective material witnesses to the
Sheriff. An inmate may interview listed witnesses during normal visitation. Witness interviews are
limited to one per day and 30 minutes in length.
Interviews with material witnesses in the custody of the Sheriff or other
governmental agencies are only permitted by court order. A pro per inmate must submit to the court
a confidential offer of proof as to the anticipated testimony of such witness pursuant to subdivision
(b)(2) above. The court may reject a request for an interview if the offer of proof fails to demonstrate
good cause for the interview. An interview is limited to 30 minutes.
The time allotted for a witness interview will not be extended and cannot be
combined with time periods allotted for legal runner visits or regular visits.
(5) Legal Materials and Legal Correspondence. A pro per inmate may accumulate
legal materials, including reports, notes, court documents, other materials relating to his or her criminal
case, and legal correspondence. “Legal correspondence” is defined as any confidential communication
between an inmate and any state or federal court, with any attorney licensed to practice law in any state
or the District of Columbia, the holder of any public office, the Department of Corrections and
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Rehabilitation, any facility commander where the inmate may be housed, or the Sheriff. An envelope
containing legal correspondence must clearly indicate on the outside that it contains confidential legal
correspondence.
a) It is the inmate's responsibility to store legal materials within his or her
living area in a safe and sanitary fashion. If the accumulated materials jeopardize the safety or security
of the facility, the Sheriff may request the inmate to take appropriate remedial action. If the inmate
fails to take such remedial action within a reasonable time, the Sheriff may remove excess property as
designated by the inmate. Property removed must be stored by the Sheriff on behalf of the inmate or
released to any person designated by the inmate. If the inmate fails to designate property to be
removed, the Sheriff must apply to the court for an order designating which property is to be stored.
b) It is the responsibility of the inmate to keep any legal materials separate
and apart from his or her other personal property. The Sheriff may treat any legal materials which are
stored with items of personal property such as soap, shampoo, food products, newspapers, and
magazines as regular inmate property.
c) Legal materials may be searched only in the presence of the inmate. The
Sheriff may inspect the materials for contraband, but must not read the contents of the materials.
d) Incoming and outgoing legal correspondence may be searched for
contraband only in the presence of the inmate. The Sheriff may physically inspect the materials for
contraband, but must not read the contents of the materials.
e) Upon the transfer of a pro per inmate to another facility, he or she must be
allowed to maintain possession of his or her legal material during the transfer. If an emergency requires
an inmate's separation from his or her legal material, the legal material must be either sealed and stored
in the inmate's name or released to any person designated by the inmate.
(6) Legal Supplies. A pro per inmates may use paper, carbon paper, pencils, and
erasers. These items may be purchased from the Jail Canteen by the inmate or given to the inmate
from an outside source through the legal deputy. Items brought to the jail by outside sources are subject
to reasonable security checks and restrictions imposed by the Sheriff.
No metal fasteners of any kind will be permitted. Cord or plastic fasteners may
be used to secure pages or transcripts. No ink pens or markers of any type are permitted. Inmates may
use one personal typewriter in the Law Library. The typewriter must be manual and will only be
admitted to the jail after a security check. The typewriter will remain in the custody of the Sheriff
when not in use.
(7) Indigent Supplies and Funds. Upon order of the court the Sheriff will provide legal
supplies to an indigent pro per inmate consisting of one legal tablet, ten sheets of typing paper, one
pencil, four sheets of carbon paper, and four envelopes. Indigent supplies will be given weekly.
Upon order of the court, the Sheriff will deposit a maximum of $60 in an
indigent inmate's jail trust account. These funds may be used for witness phone calls, postage,
purchasing additional supplies, or for other needs directly related to the inmate's case. All receipts for
purchases of legal supplies must be retained by the inmate. Before indigent funds are allowed, the
court may require the inmate to expend personal funds he or she has on deposit in his or her jail trust
account.
(e) Investigators. An inmate may retain the services of a state licensed investigator to assist
in the preparation of the case. Upon proof to the court of an inmate's indigence and need for an
investigator, the court may appoint a state licensed investigator.
An inmate must be permitted to confer with a licensed investigator during the normal
hours of visiting. The Sheriff has the discretion to allow this visitation in an attorney room at such
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time as the Sheriff deems appropriate. Unless specifically authorized by the Sheriff, an inmate may
not use private booths to confer with a licensed investigator.
(f) Requests for Additional Privileges or Funds. All requests for additional or special
privileges, or treatment different from other pro per inmates, must be filed with the trial court. These
requests must be accompanied by an affidavit detailing why the additional privilege or treatment is
necessary. Requests for additional funds must be accompanied by a detailed accounting showing how
the original funds were expended.
(g) Inmate Discipline and Revocation of Pro Per Status and Privileges. A pro per inmate is
subject to discipline for violations of jail rules and regulations in the same manner as all other inmates.
All reports of inmate discipline must be filed with the court. After reviewing the discipline report, the
court may request the Sheriff to apply for an order modifying or revoking the inmate's pro per privileges
or status.
The Sheriff may apply for an order modifying or revoking some or all of an inmate's
pro per privileges or status for cause. Except in emergency situations, pro per privileges must not be
revoked or modified as a concomitant of either jail discipline or administrative segregation without
complying with the following procedures:
(1) The inmate is given notice of the charges upon which the proposed revocation,
modification, or administrative segregation is based at least 24 hours in advance of a hearing before
the jail’s decision-maker.
(2) The inmate is given the opportunity to appear before the decision-maker within 48
hours.
(3) The inmate is given the opportunity to present witnesses and documentary
evidence. The decision-maker may restrict the presentation of live witnesses, if necessary, to preserve
the facility’s safety or security.
(4) The inmate is given a written statement of the evidence relied upon and the reasons
for the action taken. If witness safety or facility security requires, the description of items of evidence
maybe redacted from the statement.
(5) As soon as practical after the hearing, but not later than two court days after the
hearing, the Sheriff must notify the court before which the inmate's case is pending of the request to
revoke or modify the pro per privileges of the inmate. Where the inmate is pro per on multiple cases,
the notice must list all cases in which the defendant is acting in pro per and must be filed in each court
handling the pro per matters. This notice must include a copy of the decision-making body’s report
and all available discipline reports. Unless the safety of the inmate, of other inmates or of jail staff
would be jeopardized, the inmate's pro per privileges must not be revoked or modified until a court
modifies the order granting pro per privileges. To avoid multiple hearings and possible conflicting
results, each judicial officer receiving the request where multiple cases are involved shall notify the
Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division, so that he or she can exercise his or her discretion to
transfer all of the pro per’s cases to a single judicial officer for the limited purpose of ruling on the
Sheriff’s request. In emergency situations the Sheriff may immediately suspend all pro per privileges,
provided that the notice given to the court specifically states the privileges restricted and the emergency
justifying the action taken. The Sheriff must give notice to each court as soon as practical under the
circumstances.
(6) The court receiving the notice outlined in subdivision (g)(5) shall review the
request or decision of the Sheriff. Pending a hearing, the court may direct the Sheriff to reinstate any
or all privileges that were suspended due to an emergency. The court shall calendar a hearing within
Page 203 of 214

a reasonable time. The inmate will be entitled to appear at the hearing and present material and relevant
evidence and objections.
(h) Temporary Suspension of Pro Per Privileges for Medical or Psychiatric Necessity. The
Sheriff may temporarily suspend any or all of an inmate’s privileges based upon a determination by a
treating physician or psychiatrist that use of any or all of the privileges afforded pro per inmates will
endanger the health and welfare of the pro per inmate, other pro per inmates, or staff. Any temporary
suspension under this paragraph may last only as long as the medical or psychiatric conditions require
the limitation, and the Sheriff must continue to provide all privileges that medical and/or mental health
staff deem consistent with the ongoing care of the pro per inmate.
(1) The Sheriff must notify all affected courts in writing of the suspension of pro per
privileges, which pro per privileges were suspended, and the reasons for the temporary suspension of
pro per privileges. Upon the request of the inmate, the court shall calendar a hearing within a
reasonable time. The inmate will be entitled to appear at the hearing and to present such evidence and
objections as are material and relevant.
(2) The fact that a pro per inmate is under medical or psychiatric care does not limit
the Sheriff’s rights to proceed under subdivision (g) in circumstances where the inmate has violated
jail rules or the provision of these rules.
(3) The Sheriff must promptly notify the court in writing upon the restoration of in-
custody pro per privileges.
(i) Pro Per Committee. The Presiding Judge may appoint a committee of judges to act as the
Los Angeles County Pro Per Committee within the Criminal Division. The committee shall meet with
members of the Sheriff's Department no less than once annually to review, modify or update these
rules.
(j) Natural Disasters. In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency condition, the
Sheriff may temporarily suspend inmate pro per privileges. Notice must be given to the Supervising
Judge of the Criminal Division as soon as practical under the circumstances of the disaster. Pro per
privileges must resume as soon as possible.
(k) Duration of Privileges. An inmate's pro per privileges and status as a pro per defendant
terminate upon sentencing. A request for pro per privileges after sentencing must be made to the
sentencing court.
(l) Withholding Pro Per Privileges Pending Further Order Of The Court. Within five days
after receiving information that a defendant has been granted pro per status in a pending case, and that
his/her pro per privileges were revoked or modified in another pending case, the Sheriff must provide
written notice of the revocation/modification to the judicial officer who granted pro per status. The
Sheriff may withhold any additional privileges pending further order of the court.
(Rule 8.42 [7/1/2011, 1/1/2014, 1/1/2017] amended and effective July 1, 2017)
8.43 STANDBY COUNSEL IN CRIMINAL CASES

(a) Appointment. When a defendant is charged with a felony and is granted pro per status, the
court shall appoint standby counsel within ten days after the arraignment on the information or
indictment, or as soon thereafter as practicable. In misdemeanor cases, the appointment of standby
counsel is within the discretion of the court. Standby counsel must normally be appointed from the
Indigent Criminal Defense Appointment Program (ICDA) list.
(b) Duties, Not Advising Counsel. Except at the request of the court, standby counsel does
not act as advisory counsel nor provide the defendant with legal advice. Standby counsel is expected
to take over the trial in the event that the defendant’s pro per status is revoked or relinquished.
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(c) To be Provided Discovery. The prosecuting attorney must make available to standby
counsel all discovery provided to the pro per defendant. Standby counsel will be compensated for
preparation at current ICDA rates.
(d) Compensation for Appearances. When the court requires standby counsel to be present for
any pre-trial hearing, counsel will be compensated for each appearance.
(e) Change in Status. When a defendant’s pro per status is relinquished or revoked prior to
trial, defendant’s prior counsel, if any, ordinarily will be reappointed as defense counsel. When the
relinquishment occurs close to trial and prior counsel cannot be ready without a continuance, or for
other good cause, the court may appoint standby counsel as defense counsel.
8.44 RESERVED
8.45 RESERVED
8.46 RESERVED
8.47 RESERVED
8.48 RESERVED
8.49 RESERVED
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Moved to Probate Chapter eff. May 17, 2013
8.50 RESERVED
(Rule 8.50 [as JUDICIAL COMMITMENT [7/1/2011]
REPEALED and effective May 17, 2013
Moved to Probate Chapter as Rule 4.131)
8.51 RESERVED
(Rule 8.51 [as MEDICATION CAPACITY/RIESE
HEARINGS (FACILITY-BASED) 7/1/2011]
8.52 RESERVED
(Rule 8.52 [as ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY HEARINGS
FOR INVOLUNTARILY HELD PATIENTS 7/1/2011]
8.53 RESERVED
(Rule 8.53 [as PETITION FOR RESTORATION
OF RIGHT TO POSSESS A FIREARM 7/1/2011]
8.54 RESERVED
(Rule 8.54 [as EX PARTE REQUESTS 7/1/2011]
Page 205 of 214

8.55 RESERVED
8.56 RESERVED
8.57 RESERVED
8.58 RESERVED
8.59 RESERVED
TRAFFIC MATTERS
8.60 INFRACTION TRIAL BY DECLARATION
A person charged with an infraction may request a trial by written declaration by submitting a
declaration and posting bail at the same time. (See Veh. Code, § 40902(b).)
8.61 INFRACTION TRIAL DE NOVO

A person found guilty after an infraction trial by declaration may request a trial de novo. (See
Veh. Code, § 40902(d).)
8.62 INFRACTION SUMMARY TRIAL

A person charged with an infraction may request a summary trial pursuant to Vehicle Code
section 40901.
8.63 DISMISSAL AFTER PROOF OF CORRECTION

Upon timely presentation of proof of correction and payment of the fee, the clerk must enter
an order of dismissal with respect to offenses enumerated in Vehicle Code section 40303.5 This rule
applies only in cases where the citing officer has indicated on the notice to appear that the violation is
correctable.
Page 206 of 214


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SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

CHAPTER EIGHT CRIMINAL DIVISION RULES ......................................................186

8.10 READINESS TO PROCEED .......................................................................189

8.27 RESERVED .................................................................................................193

(a) Appearance Log...................................................................................197

8.49 RESERVED .................................................................................................205

CRIMINAL DIVISION RULES

ASSIGNMENT OF CASES AND BAIL

8.2 FILING AND TRANSFER OF CASES

Page 186 of 214

8.3 BAIL MATTERS

PRE-TRIAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

Page 187 of 214

8.5 FILING OF INFORMATION, CONTINUANCE AND EARLY DISPOSITION

8.6 MOTION REQUIREMENTS

Page 188 of 214

8.7 MOTIONS TO CONTINUE

8.8 EX PARTE APPLICATION

8.9 FACSIMILE FILING AND SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS

8.10 READINESS TO PROCEED

Page 189 of 214

8.11 SCHEDULING CONFLICTS

8.12 REQUESTING CALENDAR PRIORITY

8.13 APPEARANCES IN BOTH A CRIMINAL DEPARTMENT AND A JUVENILE

8.14 DELIVERY OF PROBATION DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Page 190 of 214

TRIAL AND SENTENCING

8.16 WRITTEN JUROR QUESTIONNAIRES

8.17 OBTAINING COURT FILES

8.18 WITNESS FEES

8.19 TRIAL EXHIBITS

Page 191 of 214

paraphernalia or packaging containing residues of those substances, no hypodermic needles or

8.20 MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED AT TIME SET FOR SENTENCING

8.21 ORDER SEEKING RETURN OF PROPERTY

8.22 COMMUNITY SERVICE

Page 192 of 214

Page 193 of 214

8.33 PETITIONS FOR HABEAS CORPUS OR OTHER EXTRAORDINARY RELIEF

Page 194 of 214

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CHILD CUSTODY ORDERS

Page 195 of 214

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Page 197 of 214

8.41 RECORD CERTIFICATION IN CAPITAL CASES

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PRO PER ISSUES

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8.43 STANDBY COUNSEL IN CRIMINAL CASES

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MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Page 205 of 214

8.61 INFRACTION TRIAL DE NOVO

8.62 INFRACTION SUMMARY TRIAL