Appellate Division

The Lassen Superior Court is one of the courts designated to comprise the Appellate Division of the Superior Courts of California, Counties of Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra. Judges from these four counties are designated by the Chief Justice of California annually to serve under the Appellate Division for completing and disposing all causes and matters submitted to them as well as all petitions for rehearing or for certification to the Court of Appeal arising out of such causes and matters. Certain types of appeals as detailed below are heard by this Appellate Division.

Rules of Court relevant to processes and procedures of the Appellate Division are detailed in Local Rules of Court, Rule 10.

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The California judicial system consists of three tiers, the Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeal and the trial courts of which Lassen Superior Court is one.

What is an Appeal?

An Appeal is a request for a review by a different court than the one which heard your trial or administrative hearing.

An appeal is NOT a new trial, except in small claims appeals. Generally, the appeal must be based on an argument that a legal error was made by the trial court; introduction of new evidence will not be permitted, and the appellate court will not reweigh conflicting evidence.

Where are Appeals heard?

Small Claims

Small claims appeals for Lassen Superior Court are heard through the small claims division of the Court.

Misdemeanor, Traffic, and Limited Civil

Misdemeanor, Traffic, and Limited Civil jurisdiction cases are decided by the Appellate Division of the Superior Courts of California, Counties of Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra. The Appellate Division hears oral arguments as needed in one of the respective court locations of the four participating courts. 

Appearances at Appellate Division hearings for oral argument via video conference may be permitted by the presiding judge of the panel upon request by any party or by his or her own motion provided the conditions present in Local Rule 10(K) are met.

Felony, Probate, Family Law, and Unlimited Civil

Felony, Probate, Family Law, and Unlimited Civil cases are decided by the 3rd District Court of Appeal located in Sacramento.

What judges are designated as judges of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of California, Counties of Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra?

2024 Appellate Division Panel

• Honorable Douglas M. Prouty, Presiding Judge - Superior Court of California, County of Plumas
• Honorable Wendy J. Dier - Superior Court of California, County of Modoc
• Honorable Charles H. Ervin - Superior Court of California, County of Sierra
• Honorable Mark R. Nareau - Superior Court of California, County of Lassen

Filing a Notice of Appeal

The Notice of Appeal must be filed with the Appellate Division before the filing deadline. To find the filing deadline for your case, see the California Rules of Court, Title 8. Appellate Rules

Forms can be located on the Judicial Council's website.

Judicial Council Appeal Forms

Where to File an Appeal

Appeals originating from Lassen Superior Court cases may be filed by fax following the information included on the Appellate Fax Filing page of this website or electronically via email to AppellateDivision@lassencourt.ca.gov following the guidelines established in Rule of Court 10(J). Filings can also be made in person at the court where the case being appealed was originally filed and heard:

For information on fax or electronic filing options within the Modoc, Plumas or Sierra courts, please contact the individual court via the phone number provided above or visit their website.

Are there fees associated with filing an appeal?

Depending on the case type, yes there may be fees associated with filing an appeal. For a list of fees, see the 3rd District Court of Appeals Fees page.

Appellate Filing Fees