Criminal Division

Appellate Unit

This unit is responsible for writs and appeals in both misdemeanor and infraction cases. Most appeals are handled in the San Diego Superior Court Appellate Department, but it is not unusual for Appellate deputies to practice in the Fourth District Court of Appeal, and to a lesser extent, in the California Supreme Court and the federal courts. The unit has participated in published opinions at all levels of the state courts. In addition, the unit writes and argues motions and writs at the pre-trial, trial, and post-trial stage. Some examples are demurrers, motions to suppress evidence, and writs of mandate. The Appellate Unit also provides legal research support for the General Trial Unit.