Posts Categorized: appellate lawyer

Prejudicial Error in California Appeals: Why Being Right Isn’t Enough

Land use attorneys in Sacramento, CA and Los Angeles, CA

Many people leave a trial convinced the judge made a mistake. However, in an appeal, pointing out a mistake is not enough. California appellate courts ask a more focused question. Did the error actually affect the outcome? This is where the concept of prejudicial error in a California appeal becomes critical. If an error did… Read more »

How Long Does a California Civil Appeal Take in 2026?

Land use attorneys in Sacramento, CA and Los Angeles, CA

A civil appeal in California often takes longer than most people expect. After a trial court issues a final judgment, many litigants assume the next step will move quickly. However, the appellate process follows strict procedural stages, and each stage adds time. Understanding the timeline for a California civil appeal in 2026 helps parties set… Read more »

5 Legal Errors That Can Lead to an Appeal in Real Estate Cases

Land use attorneys in Sacramento, CA and Los Angeles, CA

Losing a real estate case does not always mean the matter ends there. Many parties leave court feeling that something went wrong, but an appeal does not focus on whether the result feels unfair. Instead, it focuses on whether the court made a legal error that affected the outcome. Understanding the legal errors that can… Read more »

Writ vs Appeal in California: What’s the Difference?

Land use attorneys in Sacramento, CA and Los Angeles, CA

Many people in California face a court ruling and immediately ask the same question. Should I file a writ or an appeal? This decision matters because it affects timing, strategy, and whether a court even agrees to review the issue. Understanding writ vs appeal in California helps litigants choose the correct legal path. If you… Read more »

Riley v. California — do police need a warrant to search a smart phone?

This case, decided on June 25, 2014 together with another entitled US v. Wurie, looked at whether police may, without a warrant, poke through digital information on a cell phone when someone is arrested during a traffic stop. At first blush, the Court appears to state that such a warrantless search is not permitted. But… Read more »