Help Getting Off
California Legal Research Library
Probation, criminal charges, and other cases — plus free statewide primary law, court rules, forms, opinions, jury instructions, benchguides, local court resources, public agencies, and legal-help directories.
Does this webpage only have legal links? Yep. That’s what we do.
A reliable California research sequence
- Identify jurisdiction and court.
Confirm county, case type, court level, department, and whether state or federal law controls. - Locate primary authority.
Read the Constitution, statutes, regulations, and controlling published cases. - Check statewide procedure.
Review Rules of Court, Judicial Council forms, fee schedules, and service requirements. - Check local procedure.
Read local rules, standing orders, local forms, e-filing rules, and judge-specific instructions. - Validate currentness.
Confirm amendments, publication status, review history, effective dates, and filing deadlines.
01
Start here: the statewide essentials
14 indexed entries
Use these official portals first. They lead to the controlling law, required forms, current rules, the correct court, and free legal-help directories.
California Courts — official statewide portal
The Judicial Branch home page for courts, forms, rules, opinions, self-help information, programs, and court news.
Find My Court
Identify the proper superior court and open that court’s official website. Trial-court case searches are generally maintained county by county.
All California Superior Courts
Official Judicial Branch directory for every county superior court.
Official statewide collection of local rules
The Judicial Council’s county-by-county collection of current superior-court local rules. Always compare statewide rules with the filing court’s local rules.
Judicial Council forms
Search adopted and approved statewide court forms by form number, title, or subject.
California Courts Self-Help Guide
Plain-language, step-by-step information for common California court matters, with links to forms and local help.
California Legislative Information
Official source for the California Constitution, codes, bills, legislative history materials, and session publications.
California Rules of Court
Official, searchable rules governing California trial and appellate procedure, administration, and professional practice in the courts.
Official California opinions
Published and citable Supreme Court and Court of Appeal opinions, plus official unpublished-opinion collections and archives.
Appellate case information
Search California Supreme Court and Court of Appeal dockets by case number, party, attorney, or court.
Statewide civil fee schedule
The Judicial Council’s current statewide civil filing-fee schedule and historical schedules.
State Bar attorney license search
Verify a California lawyer’s license status, public discipline history, address, and other official profile information.
LawHelpCA legal-aid directory
Search vetted nonprofit legal-aid programs by county, legal issue, language, and eligibility.
California county law libraries
Find a public county law library. Many provide free access to subscription databases, forms, research guides, and reference assistance.
02
County-by-county California legal resources
238 indexed entries in 58 county sections
Each California county now has its own expandable section. Every section includes the county Superior Court, local rules, local forms, District Attorney, and free-help finders. Kern County retains the additional local resources from the prior version.
01
Alameda County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Alameda County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Alameda County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Alameda County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Alameda County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Alameda County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
02
Alpine County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Alpine County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Alpine County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Alpine County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Alpine County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Alpine County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
03
Amador County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Amador County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Amador County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Amador County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Amador County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Amador County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
04
Butte County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Butte County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Butte County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Butte County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Butte County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Butte County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
05
Calaveras County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Calaveras County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Calaveras County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Calaveras County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Calaveras County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Calaveras County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
06
Colusa County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Colusa County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Colusa County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Colusa County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Colusa County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Colusa County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
07
Contra Costa County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Contra Costa County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Contra Costa County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Contra Costa County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Contra Costa County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Contra Costa County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
08
Del Norte County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Del Norte County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Del Norte County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Del Norte County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Del Norte County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Del Norte County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
09
El Dorado County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official El Dorado County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
El Dorado County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
El Dorado County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
El Dorado County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
El Dorado County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
10
Fresno County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Fresno County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Fresno County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Fresno County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Fresno County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Fresno County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
11
Glenn County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Glenn County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Glenn County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Glenn County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Glenn County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Glenn County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
12
Humboldt County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Humboldt County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Humboldt County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Humboldt County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Humboldt County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Humboldt County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
13
Imperial County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Imperial County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Imperial County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Imperial County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Imperial County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Imperial County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
14
Inyo County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Inyo County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Inyo County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Inyo County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Inyo County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Inyo County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
15
Kern County
10 indexed resources
The expanded Kern County collection preserves every Kern-specific resource from the prior version, including the court, case search, local rules and forms, law library, sheriff, prosecutor, public defender, legal aid, bar directory, and the original HelpGettingOff link.
KernSeminars.com — free legal help
Original HelpGettingOff link. Free legal information and seminar resources.
Kern County Law Library
Public legal-research library serving Kern County.
Kern County Superior Court
Official court website for locations, calendars, rules, forms, services, and notices.
Kern Superior Court case information search
Official online case-information portal. Availability and document access vary by case type.
Kern County Sheriff inmate search
Official booking and inmate-information search.
Kern County District Attorney
Official prosecutor’s office. A person accused of a crime should communicate through defense counsel rather than seek legal advice from the prosecuting agency.
Kern County Public Defender
Official indigent-defense office for eligible appointed cases.
Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance
Nonprofit legal aid. The original page highlights eviction defense, guardianship, and elder-abuse assistance; services depend on eligibility and capacity.
Kern Superior Court local rules and forms
Direct access to the filing court’s local procedural requirements and locally created forms.
Kern County Bar Association directory
Local bar-association member directory. Membership is not a quality rating or endorsement.
16
Kings County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Kings County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Kings County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Kings County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Kings County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Kings County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
17
Lake County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Lake County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Lake County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Lake County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Lake County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Lake County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
18
Lassen County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Lassen County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Lassen County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Lassen County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Lassen County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Lassen County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
19
Los Angeles County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Los Angeles County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Los Angeles County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Los Angeles County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Los Angeles County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
20
Madera County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Madera County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Madera County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Madera County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Madera County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Madera County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
21
Marin County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Marin County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Marin County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Marin County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Marin County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Marin County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
22
Mariposa County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Mariposa County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Mariposa County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Mariposa County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Mariposa County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Mariposa County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
23
Mendocino County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Mendocino County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Mendocino County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Mendocino County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Mendocino County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Mendocino County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
24
Merced County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Merced County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Merced County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Merced County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Merced County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Merced County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
25
Modoc County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Modoc County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Modoc County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Modoc County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Modoc County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Modoc County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
26
Mono County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Mono County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Mono County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Mono County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Mono County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Mono County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
27
Monterey County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Monterey County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Monterey County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Monterey County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Monterey County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Monterey County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
28
Napa County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Napa County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Napa County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Napa County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Napa County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Napa County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
29
Nevada County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Nevada County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Nevada County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Nevada County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Nevada County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Nevada County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
30
Orange County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Orange County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Orange County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Orange County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Orange County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Orange County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
31
Placer County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Placer County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Placer County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Placer County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Placer County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Placer County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
32
Plumas County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Plumas County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Plumas County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Plumas County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Plumas County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Plumas County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
33
Riverside County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Riverside County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Riverside County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Riverside County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Riverside County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Riverside County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
34
Sacramento County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Sacramento County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Sacramento County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Sacramento County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Sacramento County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Sacramento County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
35
San Benito County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official San Benito County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
San Benito County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
San Benito County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
San Benito County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
San Benito County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
36
San Bernardino County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official San Bernardino County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
San Bernardino County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
San Bernardino County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
San Bernardino County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
San Bernardino County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
37
San Diego County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official San Diego County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
San Diego County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
San Diego County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
San Diego County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
San Diego County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
38
San Francisco County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official San Francisco County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
San Francisco County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
San Francisco County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
San Francisco County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
San Francisco County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
39
San Joaquin County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official San Joaquin County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
San Joaquin County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
San Joaquin County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
San Joaquin County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
San Joaquin County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
40
San Luis Obispo County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official San Luis Obispo County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
San Luis Obispo County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
San Luis Obispo County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
San Luis Obispo County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
41
San Mateo County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official San Mateo County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
San Mateo County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
San Mateo County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
San Mateo County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
San Mateo County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
42
Santa Barbara County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Santa Barbara County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Santa Barbara County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Santa Barbara County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Santa Barbara County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Santa Barbara County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
43
Santa Clara County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Santa Clara County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Santa Clara County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Santa Clara County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Santa Clara County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Santa Clara County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
44
Santa Cruz County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Santa Cruz County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Santa Cruz County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Santa Cruz County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Santa Cruz County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Santa Cruz County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
45
Shasta County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Shasta County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Shasta County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Shasta County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Shasta County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Shasta County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
46
Sierra County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Sierra County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Sierra County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Sierra County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Sierra County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Sierra County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
47
Siskiyou County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Siskiyou County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Siskiyou County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Siskiyou County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Siskiyou County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Siskiyou County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
48
Solano County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Solano County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Solano County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Solano County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Solano County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Solano County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
49
Sonoma County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Sonoma County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Sonoma County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Sonoma County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Sonoma County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Sonoma County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
50
Stanislaus County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Stanislaus County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Stanislaus County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Stanislaus County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Stanislaus County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Stanislaus County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
51
Sutter County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Sutter County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Sutter County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Sutter County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Sutter County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Sutter County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
52
Tehama County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Tehama County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Tehama County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Tehama County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Tehama County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Tehama County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
53
Trinity County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Trinity County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Trinity County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Trinity County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Trinity County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Trinity County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
54
Tulare County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Tulare County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Tulare County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Tulare County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Tulare County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Tulare County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
55
Tuolumne County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Tuolumne County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Tuolumne County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Tuolumne County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Tuolumne County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Tuolumne County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
56
Ventura County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Ventura County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Ventura County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Ventura County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Ventura County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Ventura County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
57
Yolo County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Yolo County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Yolo County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Yolo County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Yolo County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Yolo County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
58
Yuba County
4 indexed resources
Quick access to the official Yuba County court, county-specific rules and forms, the District Attorney, and statewide directories for free legal help and public law-library assistance.
Yuba County Superior Court
Official trial-court website for courthouse locations, calendars, online services, filing information, self-help services, and current notices.
Yuba County local rules and local forms
County-specific procedural rules and locally created forms. Check effective dates, standing orders, filing requirements, and judge-specific instructions before filing.
Yuba County District Attorney
Official county prosecutor’s office. The District Attorney represents the government, not a person accused of a crime.
Yuba County free legal-help and law-library finders
Use statewide nonprofit and public-law-library directories to locate free or low-cost help and research assistance available to people in this county.
03
California Constitution, statutes, regulations, and local law
21 indexed entries
Primary law should control the research. Use unofficial interfaces for speed, then verify against an official source before filing or advising anyone.
California Constitution
Official current text of the California Constitution.
California Codes
Official table of contents for all California codes, including the Civil, Code of Civil Procedure, Evidence, Family, Government, Health and Safety, Penal, Probate, and Welfare and Institutions Codes.
Search bills and legislative status
Official bill text, versions, votes, analyses, history, and status.
Statutes, amendments, and legislative publications
Official session-law and publication resources from California Legislative Information.
California Code of Regulations — Office of Administrative Law
Official OAL gateway to the California Code of Regulations and regulatory materials.
California Code of Regulations — free searchable text
Free public search and browsing interface for the current California Code of Regulations.
California Regulatory Notice Register
Notices of proposed regulatory actions and other rulemaking notices.
Proposed regulations
OAL collection of current proposed-rulemaking materials.
Regulations recently filed with the Secretary of State
OAL’s list of recently approved and filed regulatory actions.
California regulatory history
OAL resources for tracing the history of regulatory text and rulemaking files.
California Attorney General opinions
Formal legal opinions issued by the California Attorney General.
Governor’s executive orders
Official collection of California gubernatorial executive orders.
California Law Revision Commission
Studies, tentative recommendations, reports, and legislative histories concerning proposed revisions to California law.
California State Library legal research guides
Free guides covering California legal topics, legislative history, administrative law, and government documents.
California legislative-history research
State Library guidance and online sources for compiling California legislative history.
UC Law San Francisco legislative-history guide
Free step-by-step guide to California legislative history research.
UCLA California legal research guide
Free guide to California primary and secondary legal sources.
Municipal codes — Municode Library
Free code library for many California cities and counties.
Municipal codes — American Legal Publishing
Free code library used by many California municipalities.
Municipal codes — eCode360
Free local-code platform covering participating California jurisdictions.
Municipal codes — Code Publishing Company
Free California city and county code library.
04
California Rules of Court, Judicial Council forms, fees, filing, and service
20 indexed entries
Statewide rules and Judicial Council forms do not replace local rules, standing orders, courtroom procedures, or local forms. Check all applicable layers.
Rules of Court — complete index
Search and browse all current California Rules of Court.
Title 1 — Rules Applicable to All Courts
Definitions, construction, privacy, accessibility, and general statewide provisions.
Title 2 — Trial Court Rules
Court administration, records, filing, service, formatting, interpreters, and trial-court operations.
Title 3 — Civil Rules
Civil case management, motions, discovery, complex litigation, class actions, and other civil procedures.
Title 4 — Criminal Rules
Felony, misdemeanor, sentencing, probation, postjudgment, and criminal-case procedures.
Title 5 — Family and Juvenile Rules
Family, child support, custody, juvenile dependency, delinquency, and adoption procedure.
Title 6 — Reserved
Official Title 6 page and any future amendments.
Title 7 — Probate Rules
Probate, guardianship, conservatorship, trusts, estates, and related proceedings.
Title 8 — Appellate Rules
Civil and criminal appeals, writs, Supreme Court review, records, briefs, and reviewing-court filing.
Title 9 — Law Practice, Attorneys, and Judges
Rules concerning legal practice, attorney conduct in court proceedings, judicial elections, and related matters.
Title 10 — Judicial Administration Rules
Judicial administration, court governance, education, records, technology, and statewide court operations.
All superior-court local rules
Official county-by-county collection maintained by the Judicial Council.
Judicial Council form search
Search statewide forms by number, title, category, or keyword.
All Judicial Council forms
Alphabetical and numerical browse page for statewide court forms.
Forms and rules hub
Central Judicial Branch page for statewide forms, Rules of Court, local rules, and rulemaking information.
Statewide civil fee schedule
Current and historical statewide civil fees. Local or service-provider charges may be additional.
Electronic filing and service rules
Start with the statewide e-filing chapter, then check the filing court’s local rules and approved provider requirements.
Reviewing-court electronic-document requirements
Statewide rules for e-filing and document format in the Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal.
Citation of unpublished California opinions
Rule 8.1115 governs when an unpublished or depublished California opinion may be cited.
Judicial Branch reports and publications
Court reports, studies, manuals, fee materials, and policy publications.
05
California cases, opinions, briefs, dockets, and oral arguments
19 indexed entries
Use the official reports collection for authoritative published text and the appellate docket system for case status. Confirm whether review was granted, an opinion was depublished, or citation is restricted.
California opinions portal
Official access point for Supreme Court and Court of Appeal opinions and archives.
Published and citable opinions — 1850 to present
Searchable official-reports opinions reflecting postfiling corrections.
Recent unpublished and noncitable opinions
Official collection of unpublished opinions. Citation is restricted by rule 8.1115 except in specified circumstances.
Published opinions older than 120 days
Official archive for older published appellate opinions.
Published opinions with review granted
Official list and documents for published Court of Appeal opinions in which Supreme Court review has been granted.
Unpublished opinions with review granted
Official collection of unpublished opinions in matters accepted for Supreme Court review.
Court of Appeal opinions cited by the Supreme Court
Official collection organized around Court of Appeal opinions later cited by the California Supreme Court.
California appellate case-information system
Search Supreme Court and Court of Appeal dockets, events, parties, attorneys, and disposition information.
California Supreme Court case information
Calendars, dockets, minutes, briefs, oral-argument materials, and other case resources.
Briefs in argued California Supreme Court cases
Official downloadable briefs for cases argued since 2010.
California Supreme Court oral-argument webcast library
Live and archived oral arguments, organized by year and case.
Google Scholar case law
Free full-text search of federal and state case law. Verify text, publication status, and subsequent history against official sources.
CourtListener
Free searchable federal and state opinion database with citations, alerts, and related materials.
RECAP Archive
Free public archive of federal PACER documents contributed by users and partner collections.
Justia — California case law
Free unofficial collection of California decisions, organized by court and year.
FindLaw — California case law
Free case search and court-organized collections. Confirm authoritative text and status elsewhere.
SCOCAL — Stanford California Supreme Court archive
Free annotated archive of California Supreme Court opinions.
Harvard Caselaw Access Project
Historical U.S. case-law collection, including California reports. Coverage and interfaces may differ from official sources.
Legal Information Institute
Free federal and state legal materials and explanatory resources. The original HelpGettingOff page included this source.
06
California and federal jury instructions
6 indexed entries
Official instructions are valuable issue checklists and research roadmaps, but they must be tailored to the pleadings, evidence, governing law, and current edition.
California jury-instructions portal
Official Judicial Council landing page for civil and criminal jury instructions and related materials.
CACI — California Civil Jury Instructions
Current official civil jury instructions, tables, revisions, and downloadable materials.
CACI Resource Center
Official civil jury-instruction research center with guides, updates, and supporting material.
CALCRIM — California Criminal Jury Instructions
Current official criminal jury instructions and related resources.
Ninth Circuit model jury instructions
Free model federal civil and criminal jury instructions for cases in the Ninth Circuit.
Santa Clara temporary-judge training materials
Free eBinders and training materials concerning bench conduct, judicial ethics, small claims, and traffic matters.
07
Free benchguides, manuals, and practice guides
22 indexed entries
Public benchguides and law-library guides are secondary sources. Verify every proposition, deadline, citation, and form against current primary authority.
Family Court Benchguide
Public Judicial Council benchguide addressing recurring California family-court issues. Check all law and forms for currentness.
Probate Guardianship Benchguide
Public judicial benchguide concerning probate guardianship proceedings.
Tribal Communities and Domestic Violence Benchguide
Judicial guide addressing tribal communities, jurisdiction, cultural context, and domestic-violence issues.
Dependency Quick Guide
Reference manual for attorneys representing parents and children in California juvenile dependency proceedings.
Indian Child Welfare Act best-practices guide
Judicial Council guide for California courts and judicial officers handling ICWA matters.
Children, youth, and families behavioral-health resources
Judicial Branch resources including bench guidance and tools for behavioral-health issues involving children and families.
Racial Justice in California courts
Official statewide information and resources concerning racial justice policy, programs, forms, and implementation.
Sacramento County Public Law Library research guides
Extensive free California practice guides, forms, instructions, and instructional videos.
SacLaw criminal-record clearing guide
Free California record-clearing research guide and form resources.
Los Angeles County Law Library
Free research guides, classes, forms, databases on site, and reference services.
San Diego Law Library research guides
Topic-specific California and federal legal research guides.
California State Library law guides
Statewide legal-research guides and government-document sources.
UCLA free legal-research resources
Academic guide to free and low-cost legal research tools.
Law Library of Congress — California
Guide to California constitutions, statutes, cases, regulations, and local law.
Central California Appellate Program resources
Free appellate-practice resources, manuals, links, and county/court directories, primarily focused on appointed criminal appeals.
First District Appellate Project resources
Free criminal, juvenile, and dependency appellate-practice resources.
Appellate Defenders, Inc. practice resources
Free materials for appointed appellate counsel and California criminal/juvenile appellate practice.
Sixth District Appellate Program resources
Free appellate resources and practice materials for California appointed cases.
Ninth Circuit Appellate Practice Guide
Official federal appellate guide covering the appeal process, briefing, motions, oral argument, and disposition.
Prison Law Office resources
Free manuals and information concerning California prison and parole law, conditions, and prisoners’ rights.
Disability Rights California publications
Free legal publications, self-advocacy guides, sample letters, and rights information.
Legal Aid at Work fact sheets
Free California employment-law fact sheets and self-help resources.
08
California Supreme Court and Courts of Appeal
11 indexed entries
Direct links to each reviewing court, its local rules or filing procedures, forms, and case resources.
| Court | Website | Rules / filing | Forms | Case or procedure information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Supreme Court | Court website ↗ | Rules / filing ↗ | Forms ↗ | Case / procedure info ↗ |
| First District Court of Appeal | Court website ↗ | Rules / filing ↗ | Forms ↗ | Case / procedure info ↗ |
| Second District Court of Appeal | Court website ↗ | Rules / filing ↗ | Forms ↗ | Case / procedure info ↗ |
| Third District Court of Appeal | Court website ↗ | Rules / filing ↗ | Forms ↗ | Case / procedure info ↗ |
| Fourth District Court of Appeal | Court website ↗ | Rules / filing ↗ | Forms ↗ | Case / procedure info ↗ |
| Fifth District Court of Appeal | Court website ↗ | Rules / filing ↗ | Forms ↗ | Case / procedure info ↗ |
| Sixth District Court of Appeal | Court website ↗ | Rules / filing ↗ | Forms ↗ | Case / procedure info ↗ |
09
Statewide Superior Court and local-procedure tools
5 indexed entries
Use these official statewide tools when you do not yet know the county or when a direct county link has changed.
California Superior Courts directory
Official Judicial Branch directory for all 58 trial courts, with links to individual court websites.
Find My Court
Search by city or ZIP code to identify the appropriate California court and local court website.
Judicial Council statewide local-rules collection
Official collection of superior-court local rules. Use this when a court reorganizes or a direct county link changes.
How to look up a California trial-court case
Official self-help instructions explaining that trial-court case access is maintained by the county where the case was filed.
California Courts Self-Help Guide
Statewide plain-language guidance, court forms, procedural explanations, and links to local self-help services.
10
Federal law and federal courts serving California
21 indexed entries
Federal matters require federal statutes, rules, local rules, judge-specific procedures, and often electronic-filing requirements. State rules do not substitute for federal procedure.
United States Supreme Court
Official opinions, orders, dockets, rules, forms, calendars, and oral arguments.
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Official court serving California and other western jurisdictions.
Ninth Circuit resources for people without attorneys
Official pro se appellate information and forms.
Federal forms and national procedural rules
Official U.S. Courts collection of forms and current federal rules of practice and procedure.
Federal civil pro se forms
Official national forms commonly used by self-represented federal civil litigants.
United States Code
Official current and historical U.S. Code from the Office of the Law Revision Counsel.
Congress.gov
Official federal bills, public laws, committee reports, Congressional Record, treaties, and legislative history.
eCFR
Official continuously updated Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
Federal Register
Official daily federal rules, proposed rules, notices, and presidential documents.
GovInfo
Authenticated federal publications, including U.S. Reports, statutes, congressional materials, and agency documents.
PACER
Official federal docket and document system. Registration is free, but document-access charges may apply; use RECAP when a free contributed copy is available.
California federal U.S. Attorney offices
Official federal prosecutor offices for the Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern Districts of California.
California federal defender offices
Federal indigent-defense offices serving California’s four federal judicial districts.
Federal district courts in California
| Court | Website | Local rules | Forms | Pro se resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern District of California | Court website ↗ | Local rules ↗ | Forms ↗ | Pro se resources ↗ |
| Eastern District of California | Court website ↗ | Local rules ↗ | Forms ↗ | Pro se resources ↗ |
| Central District of California | Court website ↗ | Local rules ↗ | Forms ↗ | Pro se resources ↗ |
| Southern District of California | Court website ↗ | Local rules ↗ | Forms ↗ | Pro se resources ↗ |
Federal bankruptcy courts in California
| Court | Website | Local rules | Forms | Additional resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern District of California Bankruptcy Court | Court website ↗ | Local rules ↗ | Local forms ↗ | Additional filing resources ↗ |
| Eastern District of California Bankruptcy Court | Court website ↗ | Local rules ↗ | Local forms ↗ | Additional filing resources ↗ |
| Central District of California Bankruptcy Court | Court website ↗ | Local rules ↗ | Local forms ↗ | Additional filing resources ↗ |
| Southern District of California Bankruptcy Court | Court website ↗ | Local rules ↗ | Local forms ↗ | Additional filing resources ↗ |
11
Criminal law, record cleaning, custody, parole, probation, and reentry
23 indexed entries
These resources include official court and agency information plus nonprofit practice materials. A prosecutor’s office does not represent a person accused of a crime.
California criminal-court self-help guide
Overview of criminal court, record cleaning, victims’ rights, restitution, and related California resources.
California Penal Code
Official current text of the Penal Code.
Clean your criminal record
California Courts decision tree, instructions, and forms for record-cleaning remedies.
Petition for Dismissal — CR-180
Official Judicial Council form page for requesting reduction or dismissal of qualifying convictions.
Petition to Seal Arrest and Related Records — CR-409
Official form page for requesting sealing of qualifying arrest records not resulting in conviction.
California DOJ criminal-history record review
Official instructions for requesting and challenging a California criminal-history record.
CDCR incarcerated-person locator
Official California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation locator.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Official prison, parole, visitation, records, regulations, and reentry information.
Board of Parole Hearings
Official parole-hearing, suitability, reconsideration, and related information.
California Megan’s Law website
Official public sex-offender information site, subject to statutory use restrictions.
Office of the State Public Defender
Statewide appointed appellate defense and indigent-defense improvement resources.
California prosecutor-agency directory
County-by-county directory maintained by the California District Attorneys Association.
California probation-department directory
County-by-county probation agency directory from Chief Probation Officers of California.
Public-defender and court county directory
CCAP directory with court, public defender, prosecutor, jail, and related county contact links.
California Racial Justice Act resources
Official Judicial Branch materials concerning racial-justice implementation, forms, and court policy.
Root & Rebound
Free California reentry legal resources for people with arrest or conviction histories.
Prison Law Office
Free California prison-law manuals, rights information, and selected advocacy resources.
California Innocence Project
Postconviction innocence organization and intake information.
Northern California Innocence Project
Postconviction innocence resources and case-submission information.
Loyola Project for the Innocent
Postconviction innocence clinic and case-submission information.
LAFLA expungement and record-clearing help
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles information and assistance concerning qualifying record-clearing matters.
California victim compensation
Official compensation-program eligibility, applications, and victim-resource information.
California Attorney General victim services
Official statewide crime-victim information and referrals.
12
Family, juvenile, probate, guardianship, and conservatorship
18 indexed entries
Start with the statewide topic guide and forms, then check the county court’s local rules, local forms, self-help center, and family-law-facilitator procedures.
California Family Code
Official current text of the Family Code.
Divorce and legal separation
California Courts step-by-step divorce information and forms.
Child custody and parenting time
Statewide custody, visitation, mediation, and order information.
Child support
Court-process information, forms, calculations, and enforcement resources.
California Child Support Services
Official local-agency services, case access, payment information, and guideline calculator.
Parentage
Information and forms for establishing legal parentage.
Adoption
California Courts adoption types, requirements, forms, and procedural guidance.
Guardianship
Information and forms for probate guardianships of minors.
Conservatorship
Information and forms concerning California probate conservatorships.
Probate
California Courts guidance for estates and probate proceedings.
Name change
Statewide name-change information and Judicial Council forms.
Domestic violence restraining orders
Statewide eligibility, safety, filing, service, hearing, and enforcement information.
Elder or dependent-adult abuse restraining orders
Information and forms for elder and dependent-adult abuse protection.
Civil harassment restraining orders
Information and forms for qualifying harassment matters outside specified family relationships.
Gun violence restraining orders
Official information and forms concerning California gun violence restraining orders.
CARE Act
California Courts information about CARE Act eligibility, petitions, proceedings, and legal help.
Juvenile dependency resources
Judicial Branch dependency information, guides, and program materials.
Indian Child Welfare Act resources
Judicial Branch ICWA resources for courts, attorneys, families, and tribes.
13
Civil litigation, small claims, housing, consumer, and employment
23 indexed entries
This section combines court procedure with official enforcement, licensing, and administrative resources.
California Civil Code
Official current text of the Civil Code.
California Code of Civil Procedure
Official current text governing civil procedure, limitations, service, discovery, motions, enforcement, and related matters.
California Evidence Code
Official current text of the Evidence Code.
Civil lawsuit self-help
California Courts overview of civil cases, pleadings, service, discovery, motions, trial, and judgment.
Small claims
Statewide filing, service, response, hearing, appeal, and collection information.
Eviction — statewide overview
California Courts landlord-tenant eviction process and forms.
California Attorney General landlord-tenant resources
Official consumer information on landlord-tenant rights and common issues.
California Civil Rights Department — housing
Housing-discrimination rights, complaints, regulations, and guidance.
HUD California rental resources
Federal housing information and California contacts.
Debt collection cases
California Courts information for people suing or being sued over consumer debt.
Fee waivers
Statewide eligibility information and forms for requesting waiver of court fees.
Serving court papers
Statewide explanations of personal service, substituted service, mail service, publication, and proof of service.
California Labor Commissioner
Wage claims, retaliation complaints, labor-law information, decisions, and forms.
California Civil Rights Department — employment
Employment-discrimination and retaliation rights, complaint procedures, regulations, and guidance.
Legal Aid at Work
Free California employment-law fact sheets, clinics, and self-help resources.
EDD unemployment appeals
Official information about appealing unemployment-benefit determinations.
California Division of Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation forms, guides, regulations, district offices, and case resources.
Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board
WCAB decisions, rules, calendars, writ information, and en banc/significant panel decisions.
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer information, complaint links, and licensing-board access.
Contractors State License Board
Verify contractor licenses, classifications, bonds, workers’ compensation, and public disciplinary information.
Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
Financial-services laws, licensees, consumer complaints, enforcement actions, and guidance.
California Department of Insurance
Insurance laws, regulations, license lookup, complaint resources, and enforcement information.
Alternative dispute resolution resources
Judicial Branch reports and public information about mediation, arbitration, and other ADR methods.
14
Administrative law, agencies, licensing, and public-law proceedings
14 indexed entries
Agency matters may be governed by enabling statutes, regulations, agency-specific procedural rules, precedential decisions, and judicial-review deadlines.
California agency directory
Official CA.gov directory of state departments, boards, commissions, and offices.
Office of Administrative Hearings
Administrative-law calendars, case information, special-education decisions, forms, and procedural resources.
Office of Administrative Law
Rulemaking review, California Code of Regulations resources, determinations, and regulatory notices.
California Public Utilities Commission proceedings
Rulemakings, applications, decisions, resolutions, rulings, and docket materials.
Public Employment Relations Board decisions
Official public-sector labor decisions, orders, rules, forms, and case information.
Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board
Administrative adjudication resources and decisions for California workers’ compensation matters.
DMV administrative hearings
Official information about administrative per se, negligent-operator, medical, and other driver-safety hearings.
California Tax Appeals Office
Precedential and nonprecedential opinions, rules, forms, and appeal information.
State Personnel Board
Precedential decisions, regulations, appeals, and state civil-service adjudication resources.
California Coastal Commission
Coastal Act materials, regulations, hearing agendas, staff reports, and adopted decisions.
Fair Political Practices Commission
Political Reform Act regulations, advice letters, enforcement decisions, forms, and campaign/lobbying guidance.
California Secretary of State elections
Election laws, regulations, candidate and campaign materials, and official results.
California Department of Real Estate
Real-estate licensing, disciplinary actions, laws, regulations, forms, and consumer publications.
California Privacy Protection Agency
California Consumer Privacy Act regulations, rulemaking, enforcement, and guidance.
15
Free legal help, public law libraries, attorney verification, and ethics
16 indexed entries
Eligibility and service coverage vary. Public law libraries generally provide legal information and research assistance, not representation or individualized legal advice.
California Courts Self-Help Guide
Court information and step-by-step instructions for people without lawyers.
Find court-based self-help services
Use Find My Court, then open the selected court’s self-help or family-law-facilitator page.
LawHelpCA
Statewide vetted legal-aid directory searchable by county and legal issue.
State Bar — need legal help
Official information about lawyer-referral services, free legal services, complaints, and finding representation.
Legal Services Corporation locator
Find federally funded civil legal-aid organizations serving California communities.
California county law-library directory
Contact information for public county law libraries across California.
Kern County Law Library
Original HelpGettingOff resource for local legal research.
Sacramento County Public Law Library
Extensive free guides, forms, classes, and reference services.
Los Angeles County Law Library
Research guides, classes, public databases, and reference services.
San Diego Law Library
Research guides, legal databases, self-help services, and public programs.
Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance
Civil legal-aid organization serving eligible Kern County residents.
Disability Rights California
Statewide disability-rights advocacy, publications, intake, and self-help resources.
California Free Legal Answers and public resources
California Lawyers Association access-to-justice resources, including public legal-information projects.
State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct
Official rules governing California lawyer professional conduct.
State Bar ethics opinions
Formal ethics opinions and related professional-responsibility resources.
State Bar ethics and technology resources
Professional-responsibility guidance on technology, confidentiality, cybersecurity, and related issues.
16
Finding parties, businesses, agents for service, fictitious names, licenses, and public records
15 indexed entries
These sources help identify legal names, agents, ownership records, licenses, and local laws. Confirm identity before service or filing.
California Secretary of State business search
Search corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and agents for service of process.
California business-entities information
Official filing, records-request, service-of-process, and business-entity guidance.
County recorder directory
Statewide directory of county recorders for deeds, liens, vital records, and other recorded documents.
County assessor contacts
Board of Equalization directory for California county assessors and property-tax offices.
Department of Consumer Affairs license search
Search many California professional and occupational licenses.
Contractor license search
Search license status, classifications, bond, workers’ compensation, and discipline information.
California attorney search
Official State Bar license and public-discipline records.
Fresno County fictitious business names
Original HelpGettingOff FBN-search resource.
Kern County fictitious business names
Original HelpGettingOff FBN-search resource.
Kings County Clerk-Recorder records
County clerk-recorder access point for fictitious business name information and searchable indices.
Los Angeles County fictitious business names
Original HelpGettingOff FBN-search resource.
Riverside County fictitious business names
Original HelpGettingOff FBN-search resource.
San Francisco fictitious business names
Original HelpGettingOff FBN-search resource.
Tulare County fictitious business names
Original HelpGettingOff FBN-search resource.
California municipal-code libraries
Search local ordinances by jurisdiction using several free publishers; coverage varies.
17
Original HelpGettingOff document-service links
8 indexed entries
The original page’s commercial document-service links are preserved as requested. They are separate from the free research directory; inclusion is not a legal recommendation.
Bakersfield Divorce
Commercial document-preparation service preserved from the original page.
Bakersfield Paralegal
Commercial legal-document-assistance service preserved from the original page.
Criminal Paralegal
Commercial document service preserved from the original page.
Conservatorship Help
Commercial document service preserved from the original page.
Guardianship Paralegal
Commercial document service preserved from the original page.
Habeas Paralegal
Commercial document service preserved from the original page.
Kern Eviction
Commercial landlord document service preserved from the original page.
The Trust Paralegal
Commercial document service preserved from the original page.
18
Original HelpGettingOff attorney-directory links
6 indexed entries
The original private attorney directories are preserved. Verify any lawyer’s current status through the State Bar and independently evaluate qualifications, fees, and conflicts.
State Bar attorney search
Official license-status and public-discipline search; added as the first verification step.
Attorney Screening
Private lawyer-referral or directory resource preserved from the original page.
Avvo
Private lawyer directory and rating site preserved from the original page. Ratings are not official.
FindLaw Lawyers
Private attorney directory preserved from the original page.
Justia Lawyers
Private attorney directory preserved from the original page.
Martindale
Private attorney directory preserved from the original page.