CA Court of Appeal Opinions

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.

People v. Rufo - Murder Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Rufo. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder and a firearm enhancement, but the enhancement was dismissed in the interest of justice. The appellate court affirmed the judgment.

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.

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.

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.

People v. Cooper - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, affirmed an order and judgment in the case of People v. Cooper. The defendant appealed his conviction for second-degree murder, arguing the trial court erred in revoking his pro. per. status after he refused to appear for a pretrial hearing. The appellate court found no abuse of discretion.

People v. Johnson - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a lower court's decision in People v. Johnson, regarding a criminal defendant's right to self-representation and counsel during sentencing. The court found no error in denying the defendant's request to reappoint counsel after he had initially waived it.

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.

Center for Biological Diversity v. Public Utilities Commission - Net Energy Metering Tariff

The California Court of Appeal filed an opinion regarding the net energy metering (NEM) tariff, affirming the Public Utilities Commission's successor tariff. The case, Center for Biological Diversity, Inc. v. Public Utilities Com., addresses whether the successor tariff is consistent with state law directing the commission to prevent cost shifts to non-NEM customers.

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.