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Sixth District Appellate Program
The SDAP Way
A Passion for Justice
SDAP’s attitude toward the representation of indigents is that expressed in Von Moltke v. Gillies (1948) 332 U.S. 708:
“Undivided allegiance and faithful, devoted service to a client are prized traditions of the American lawyer. It is this kind of service for which the Sixth Amendment makes provision. And nowhere is this service deemed more honorable than in case of appointment to represent an accused too poor to hire a lawyer, even though the accused may be a member of an unpopular or hated group, or may be charged with an offense which is peculiarly abhorrent.” (Id., at pp. 725-726, fn. omitted.) Read more.
News From The Director
New Panel Payment System
The Judicial Council has announced that effective September 28, 2024, panel payments under the Court Appointed Counsel Program will be made through ADP, rather than coming from the State Controller’s Office (SCO). Panel attorneys need not take any action. Existing systems, such as the eClaims program and panel attorney direct deposit elections will remain in […]
Become a Panel Attorney
Learn about the benefits of handling court-appointed appeals, including greater work-life balance and the opportunity to shape the law. Represent indigent parties in criminal, juvenile, or civil commitment appeals. Enjoy the support of appellate project mentors and a robust community of over 600 panel attorneys statewide. Join us Thursday, October 17 at 12.15 via Zoom. […]
Upcoming Webinar
SDAP and CCAP will present a remote training on adverse consequences. It will be Wednesday, October 30 from noon to 1:30. The presentation will answer some questions such as “what is an adverse consequence?” and “what should appellate counsel do when we find one?” SDAP has been approved by the California State Bar as an […]
Mandatory Form for Augment Motions
There is now an updated form proposed order for augment motions. All motions to augment the record filed in the Sixth District Court of Appeal must be accompanied by the court’s fillable standard order form that can be found here. For civil cases, use this form. The court has given us the following guidance regarding three aspects […]
Proofs of Service With No-Issue Briefs
SDAP has been informed by the Court of Appeal that in several, recent cases – particularly in juvenile cases – the Court has had difficulties getting the client’s address to send the client the standard letter advising them of their rights when a no-issue brief has been filed on their behalf. In a few cases, […]