United States

People v. Reed - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reversed and remanded a trial court's denial of a defendant's petition for recall and resentencing. The appellate court agreed with the People that the trial court erred in applying the doctrine of the law of the case to deny the petition.

Zeng v. Wang - Domestic Violence Restraining Order Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed an order granting a new trial on a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) renewal but reversed the DVRO renewal order as it applied to the parties' daughter. The court found the father did not receive adequate notice regarding the daughter's inclusion.

People v. Bolduc - Criminal Threats Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Bolduc on March 9, 2026. The court affirmed the conviction for making criminal threats, finding the trial court adequately ensured a factual basis for the defendant's plea.

People v. Perez - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Perez on March 9, 2026. The court affirmed the trial court's judgment after the defendant pleaded no contest to attempted murder and admitted sentencing enhancements. This is a non-precedential opinion.

States v. Mackrell - Civil Harassment Restraining Order Attorney Fees

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court's award of $8,397.43 in attorney fees to Jessica States in a civil harassment restraining order case against Jeanie MacKrell. The court found no abuse of discretion in awarding fees to the prevailing party.

Alameda County Taxpayers' Assn. v. City of Oakland - Initiative Measure Validity

The California Court of Appeal ruled on an initiative measure (Measure Y) funding the Oakland Zoo. The court found certain provisions violated the state constitution but were severable, upholding the measure with modifications. The ruling clarifies initiative validity and funding mechanisms for public facilities.

In re L.C. - Parental Rights Termination Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case In re L.C. on March 6, 2026. The court affirmed the juvenile court's order terminating mother K.M.'s parental rights, finding no abuse of discretion in denying her petition to reinstate reunification services.

Snyder v. Cohen - SLAPP Motion Ruling

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court's decision to strike a complaint filed by Stephen Snyder against Les Cohen and his attorneys. The court found the complaint to be a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) arising from protected petitioning activity.

Zeng v. Wang - Sanctions and Custody Appeal

The California Court of Appeal filed an opinion in Zeng v. Wang concerning an appeal of sanctions and custody orders. The court affirmed orders denying a request for minor's counsel and a child custody evaluator, while also affirming the denial of a request for sanctions, finding the minute order imposing sanctions not appealable.

Cruz v. Superior Court CA4/2 - Domestic Violence Restraining Order

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, granted a petition for writ of mandate in Cruz v. Superior Court. The court ordered the Superior Court to vacate its order continuing a Domestic Violence Restraining Order hearing and to set a hearing within the timeframe required by Family Code section 242(a). The opinion was filed on March 9, 2026.