Trial Prep for Self-Represented Litigants 6: Evidence, Cross Examination, Closing

Courts and Procedure

Part 6 discuses basic rules of evidence (personal knowledge, relevance, hearsay), how to question yourself as a witness, cross-examining the other side’s witnesses, motion for judgment as a matter of law, and closing statements.

Trial prep is key to an effective trial or a better settlement. If you are representing yourself (also called pro se, pro per, or in propria persona) in a civil case before the Superior Court, this video series is designed to guide you through the basics of trial preparation, so that you can be prepared for your day in court.

Trial Prep for Self-Represented Litigants 5: Direct Examination

Courts and Procedure

Part 5 discuses direct examination and entering exhibits into the record, plus direct examination tips.

Trial prep is key to an effective trial or a better settlement. If you are representing yourself (also called pro se, pro per, or in propria persona) in a civil case before the Superior Court, this video series is designed to guide you through the basics of trial preparation, so that you can be prepared for your day in court.

Trial Prep for Self-Represented Litigants 4: Overview of Trial

Courts and Procedure

Part 4 gives an overview of how the trial will proceed, from pretrial conference to jury selection, opening statements, witnesses, closing statements, deliberation and verdict.

Trial prep is key to an effective trial or a better settlement. If you are representing yourself (also called pro se, pro per, or in propria persona) in a civil case before the Superior Court, this video series is designed to guide you through the basics of trial preparation, so that you can be prepared for your day in cou

Trial Prep for Self-Represented Litigants 3: Trial Notebook and Witnesses

Courts and Procedure

Part 3 continues discussing pre-trial tasks: assembling a trial notebook, subpoenaing witnesses, and preparing your witnesses.

Trial prep is key to an effective trial or a better settlement. If you are representing yourself (also called pro se, pro per, or in propria persona) in a civil case before the Superior Court, this video series is designed to guide you through the basics of trial preparation, so that you can be prepared for your day in court.

Trial Prep for Self-Represented Litigants 2: Pre-Trial Preparation

Courts and Procedure

Part 2 discusses pre-trial tasks: preparing your expert witnesses, attending settlement conference, and obtaining declarations in lieu of live testimony from witnesses. Pre-trial tasks continue in Part 3.

Trial prep is key to an effective trial or a better settlement. If you are representing yourself (also called pro se, pro per, or in propria persona) in a civil case before the Superior Court, this video series is designed to guide you through the basics of trial preparation, so that you can be prepared for your day in court.

Trial Prep for Self-Represented Litigants 1: Intro, Jury vs Non-Jury

Courts and Procedure

Part 1 provides an introduction to trial preparation and discusses the pros and cons of choosing a judge or jury for your case.

Trial prep is key to an effective trial or a better settlement. If you are representing yourself (also called pro se, pro per, or in propria persona) in a civil case before the Superior Court, this video series is designed to guide you through the basics of trial preparation, so that you can be prepared for your day in court.

Small Claims 3: The Hearing

Courts and Procedure

Instructor: Attorney Eric Nakano, Civil Self-Help Center

Small Claims 2: Filling Out Plaintiff’s Claim (SC-100)

Courts and Procedure

Instructor: Attorney Eric Nakano, Civil Self-Help Center

Small Claims 1: Introduction

Courts and Procedure

Instructor: Attorney Eric Nakano, Civil Self-Help Center

Si Entiende el Futbol…

Courts and Procedure

…usted puede desifrar los casos de la corte civil. Esta presentación explica las diferentes etapas de un caso civil mediante la comparación de que el progreso de un partido de fútbol.

Service of Court Papers by Mail: How To

Courts and Procedure

Explains how to serve documents by mail and provides instructions for completing the Proof of Service by Mail form. For written instructions and samples, see these Step-by-Step guides:

• Proof of Service by Mail
• En español: Entrega de documentos por correo

See You in Court! How to Start a Civil Lawsuit in Sacramento

Courts and Procedure

Describes the steps of writing, filing and serving a civil complaint in Sacramento County.

Reducing Effect of Criminal Conviction 10: How to Order Your RAP Sheet – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

Part 10: Judge Roman explains how to order your RAP sheet.

Sacramento Judge Jaime R. Roman provides his judicial perspective on how a criminal record can never be completely eliminated, the consequences of criminal convictions as it may pertain to occupational or professional licensing or immigration may be reduced by post conviction petitions that include early termination of probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and/or vacating convictions. Judge Roman focuses on particular Penal Code sections that provide some relief.

Reducing Effect of Criminal Conviction 9: Questions – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

Part 9: Judge Roman answers audience questions about expungements.

Sacramento Judge Jaime R. Roman provides his judicial perspective on how a criminal record can never be completely eliminated, the consequences of criminal convictions as it may pertain to occupational or professional licensing or immigration may be reduced by post conviction petitions that include early termination of probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and/or vacating convictions. Judge Roman focuses on particular Penal Code sections that provide some relief.

Reducing Effect of Criminal Conviction 8: Prop 47 and Prop 64 – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

Part 8: Crime changed to misdemeanor or infraction under Prop 47 or Prop 64.Sacramento Judge Jaime R. Roman provides his judicial perspective on how a criminal record can never be completely eliminated, the consequences of criminal convictions as it may pertain to occupational or professional licensing or immigration may be reduced by post conviction petitions that include early termination of probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and/or vacating convictions. Judge Roman focuses on particular Penal Code sections that provide some relief.

Reducing Effect of Criminal Conviction 7: Petition for Dismissal Under 1203.42 – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

Part 7: Crime changed to one punishable by jail sentence instead of prison.

Sacramento Judge Jaime R. Roman provides his judicial perspective on how a criminal record can never be completely eliminated, the consequences of criminal convictions as it may pertain to occupational or professional licensing or immigration may be reduced by post conviction petitions that include early termination of probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and/or vacating convictions. Judge Roman focuses on particular Penal Code sections that provide some relief.

Reducing Effect of Criminal Conviction 6: Petition for Dismissal Under 1203.41 – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

Part 6: Expungement under 1203.41 (supervision ended per 1170(h)(5)).

Sacramento Judge Jaime R. Roman provides his judicial perspective on how a criminal record can never be completely eliminated, the consequences of criminal convictions as it may pertain to occupational or professional licensing or immigration may be reduced by post conviction petitions that include early termination of probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and/or vacating convictions. Judge Roman focuses on particular Penal Code sections that provide some relief.

Reducing Effect of Criminal Conviction 5: Petition for Dismissal Under 1203.4 – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

Part 5: Expungement under 1203.4 (the most genereral provision).

Sacramento Judge Jaime R. Roman provides his judicial perspective on how a criminal record can never be completely eliminated, the consequences of criminal convictions as it may pertain to occupational or professional licensing or immigration may be reduced by post conviction petitions that include early termination of probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and/or vacating convictions. Judge Roman focuses on particular Penal Code sections that provide some relief.

Reducing Effect of Criminal Conviction 4: Termination of Probation Under 1203.3 – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

Part 4: Judge Roman discusses when probation can be terminated early.

Sacramento Judge Jaime R. Roman provides his judicial perspective on how a criminal record can never be completely eliminated, the consequences of criminal convictions as it may pertain to occupational or professional licensing or immigration may be reduced by post conviction petitions that include early termination of probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and/or vacating convictions. Judge Roman focuses on particular Penal Code sections that provide some relief.

Reducing Effect of Criminal Conviction 3: Military Personnel Reduction of a Felony of a Misdemeanor under PC 17 – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

Part 3: Judge Roman explains the special rules for military personnel reducing a felony to a misdemeanor.

Sacramento Judge Jaime R. Roman provides his judicial perspective on how a criminal record can never be completely eliminated, the consequences of criminal convictions as it may pertain to occupational or professional licensing or immigration may be reduced by post conviction petitions that include early termination of probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and/or vacating convictions. Judge Roman focuses on particular Penal Code sections that provide some relief.

Reducing Effect of Criminal Conviction 2: Reduction of a Felony of a Misdemeanor under PC 17 – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

Part 2: Judge Roman explains reducing a felony to a misdemeanor.

In this ten-part series, Sacramento Judge Jaime R. Roman provides his judicial perspective on how a criminal record can never be completely eliminated, the consequences of criminal convictions as it may pertain to occupational or professional licensing or immigration may be reduced by post conviction petitions that include early termination of probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and/or vacating convictions. Judge Roman focuses on particular Penal Code sections that provide some relief.

Reducing Effect of Criminal Conviction 1: Introduction – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

Part 1: Judge Roman discusses expungement and other ways of reducing the effect of convictions.

In this ten-part series, Sacramento Judge Jaime R. Roman provides his judicial perspective on how a criminal record can never be completely eliminated, the consequences of criminal convictions as it may pertain to occupational or professional licensing or immigration may be reduced by post conviction petitions that include early termination of probation, reducing certain felonies to misdemeanors, and/or vacating convictions. Judge Roman focuses on particular Penal Code sections that provide some relief.

Personal Service of Court Papers: How To

Courts and Procedure

Explains the requirements for proper personal service of court papers. Includes animated demonstrations of proper personal service.

For written instructions and samples, see these Step-by-Step guides:

• Personal Service
• En español: Entrega en persona

Name Change Workshop

Courts and Procedure

Explains how to complete the legal forms to change your name, and what steps to take after you file. This process applies for individuals changing their own name or the names of their children.

UPDATE: name change petitions are now filed at 813 Sixth Street, Room 212, Sacramento, CA 95814. Name/Gender change documents will only be accepted at the designated counter for filing M-F 8:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. and M-W & F 1:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. ONLY.

Name Change Forms and Instructions

Petition for Change of Name: Sacramento Packet (CV/E 142N)

Understanding Sacramento’s Name Change Packet

For more assistance, Sacramento County residents may contact SH@LL (Self Help at the Law Library, formerly the Civil Self Help Center) at (916) 476-2731 for a phone appointment.

Changing Name and Gender

If you are changing both name and gender, a different process applies. In Sacramento, you can download the forms and instructions here: Petition for Change of Name and Gender Packet (CV/E-142g). For assistance with this process, contact SH@LL at (916) 476-2731 for a phone appointment.

Restoring Original Name after Divorce

You can change your married name back to your birth or “maiden” name as part of the divorce paperwork. If your divorce is already final, there is a simple form to accomplish the same thing. In Sacramento, you can download the forms and instructions here: Restoring Your Former Name.

Confidential Safe-At-Home Name Change

Victims or survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault may be eligible to obtain a confidential name change through California’s Safe at Home Program. If you require a confidential name change, please visit California’s Safe at Home program at www.sos.ca.gov/registries/safe-home before filing any documents with the court. You may also contact the program by calling (877) 322-5227 or by via email.

After you are enrolled in the Safe at Home program, SH@LL can assist with a name change. Confidential Safe-at-Home Name Changes are done by appointment only. For assistance with this process, contact contact SH@LL at (916) 476-2731 for a phone appointment.

If You Understand Football…

Courts and Procedure

This presentation explains the different stages of a civil lawsuit by comparing them to the progress of a football game.

How to Order Your Rap Sheet (Criminal History) – saclaw.org

Crime and Prisons

To order your own criminal history (rap sheet), fill out a form and take it to a Live Scan site for fingerprinting. This video shows you how.

Download Live Scan Form from California Department of Justice:

• BCIA 8016RR, pdf (Instructions in English)
• BCIA 8016RR Spanish (Instrucciones en español)

Filling out Case Management Statement (CM-110)

Courts and Procedure

Completing your Case Management Statement (CM-110) in Sacramento County Unlimited Civil Cases.

Note: In Sacramento, limited civil cases are excluded from the Case Management Program and will not use this form. Instead to request a trial date, use the Limited Civil Case Status Memorandum. A guide to filling out the Limited Civil Case Status Memorandum is available on this site.

Expunging (Dismissing) Your Conviction

Crime and Prisons

Attorney Alan Bridges, of the Voluntary Legal Services Program, explains “Expunging Your Conviction” in this self-help video.

Note 1: Forms have changed since this video was recorded, but most of the information is still accurate. Download the current forms packet from Sacramento County Superior Court website:

Sacramento Superior Court Petition Information and Instruction Packet Related to: Penal Code §§17(b), 1203.3, 1203.4, 1203.4a, 1203.4b, 1203.41, 1203.42,1203.43

The Law Library has produced a guide on Understanding the Sacramento Superior Court’s Expungement Packet, with filled-out samples of the Sacramento forms.

Note 2: Capital Pro Bono (formerly VLSP) no longer offers a clinic or telephone assistance on expungement. If you need additional assistance, consult an attorney, contact the group Root & Rebound‘s Reentry Legal Hotline (510-279-4662), or visit the law library to research your situation.

Enforcement of Judgments 4b: Handling Claims of Exemption

Courts and Procedure

Part 4b. Opposing claims of exemption. Forms: Claim of Exemption (EJ-160) Notice of Opposition to Claim of Exemption (EJ-170), Notice of Hearing on Claim of Exemption (EJ-175).

This series of videos covers the most successful methods of collection, including obtaining an Earnings Withholding Order and Bank Levy; Applications and Orders for Appearance and Examination; and Abstracts of Judgment. Calculating interest on judgments, renewing judgments, and filing an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment are also covered.

Enforcement of Judgments 4a: Choose Your Weapon(s)

Courts and Procedure

Part 4a. Writ of execution (EJ-130), bank levy (EJ-150), wage garnishment (WG-001).

This series of videos covers the most successful methods of collection, including obtaining an Earnings Withholding Order and Bank Levy; Applications and Orders for Appearance and Examination; and Abstracts of Judgment. Calculating interest on judgments, renewing judgments, and filing an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment are also covered.

The Law Library offers the following guides related to this video:

Bank Levy: Collect Your Judgment from the Debtor’s Bank Account

Wage Garnishment: Collect Your Judgment from the Debtor’s Paychecks

Enforcement of Judgments 3: Finding Assets (Debtors Exam)

Courts and Procedure

Part 3. Locating assets, debtors examination (OEX) (AT-138 / EJ-125), dumpster diving.

This series of videos covers the most successful methods of collection, including obtaining an Earnings Withholding Order and Bank Levy; Applications and Orders for Appearance and Examination; and Abstracts of Judgment. Calculating interest on judgments, renewing judgments, and filing an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment are also covered.

The Law Library offers a guide on conducting a Debtor’s Examination.

Enforcement of Judgments 2: Determine Amount Owed

Courts and Procedure

Part 2. Locating assets, calculating current amount owed, memorandum of costs (MC-12).

This series of videos covers the most successful methods of collection, including obtaining an Earnings Withholding Order and Bank Levy; Applications and Orders for Appearance and Examination; and Abstracts of Judgment. Calculating interest on judgments, renewing judgments, and filing an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment are also covered.

The Law Library offers a guide to preparing a Memorandum of Costs.

Enforcement of Judgments 1: Introduction

Courts and Procedure

Part 1. Introduction, locating the debtor.

This series of videos covers the most successful methods of collection, including obtaining an Earnings Withholding Order and Bank Levy; Applications and Orders for Appearance and Examination; and Abstracts of Judgment. Calculating interest on judgments, renewing judgments, and filing an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment are also covered.

Discovery 11: Potential Problems

Courts and Procedure

Discovery Part 11. Motions to deem admissions true, motions to compel, sanctions, other resources

Discovery 10: Tips

Courts and Procedure

Tips on limited quantity of discovery requests, protective orders, planning, and proofs of service.

Discovery 9: Response to Request for Production

Courts and Procedure

Discovery Part 9. Responding to Requests for Production of Documents and Things

Discovery 8: Request for Production of Documents and Things

Courts and Procedure

Discovery Part 8. Propounding Requests for Production of Documents and Things

Discovery 7: Response to Special Interrogatories

Courts and Procedure

Discovery Part 7. Responding to special interrogatories. See Part 5, “Responding to Form Interrogatories” for details.

Discovery 6: Special Interrogatories

Courts and Procedure

Discovery Part 6. Using special (customized) interrogatories to request information from the opposing party.

Discovery 5: Form Interrogatories

Courts and Procedure

Discovery Part 5. Responding to the standard Form Interrogatories (Disc-001)

Discovery 4: Form Interrogatories

Courts and Procedure

Discovery Part 4. Using the standard Form Interrogatories (Disc-001) to request information from the opposing party.

Discovery 3: Response to Request for Admissions

Courts and Procedure

Discovery Part 3. How to respond to a request for admissions.

Discovery 2: Request for Admissions

Courts and Procedure

Discovery Part 2. Preparing and propounding requests for admissions, true/false questions to determine agreed-upon facts.

Discovery 1: Introduction to Discovery

Courts and Procedure

Defining discovery, when it can begin, and limitations.

Sacramento County Public Law Library (SCPLL) does not provide legal advice: SCPLL Law Library provides legal resources and assistance with legal research as an educational service.  The information in this presentation is not legal advice and is provided solely as a general educational service to our patrons.  For legal advice, you should consult an attorney.

No Attorney-Client Relationship or Legal Advice is Being Provided: The materials on this website, including articles, videos, and similar products are for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The SCPLL website is intended to provide information and is not guaranteed to be up-to-date. Patrons should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.

Court Personnel and Roles

Courts and Procedure

Judge Jaime R. Roman, Court Clerk Julie Jackson, Court Attendee Michelle Jeremiah, and Court Recorder Jean Smart, all of Sacramento County Superior Court, discuss the roles of various court personnel.

Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO) – saclaw.org

Courts and Procedure

Attorney Eric Nakano explains how to fill out and file the forms to request a Civil Harassment Restraining Order in Sacramento County.

Form Packets from Sacramento Court

• Request for CHRO Step 1: Fill Out and File Paperwork
• Request for CHRO Step 2: Notify the Restrained Person 

The Law Library offers a step-by-step guide with sample filled-out forms:

• Civil Harassment Restraining Order Step-by-Step Guide

For more information and resources on restraining orders, including domestic violence, elder and dependent abuse, workplace violence, and school violence, visit our Protection from Abuse: Restraining Orders page.

Cease and Desist Letter (Debtor’s Rights)

Money Debt and Consumer Issues

In this presentation, you will learn how to use a “cease and desist letter” to prevent creditors from harassing you.

Carta de cesar y desistir (derechos del duedor)

Español

Español. En esta presentación, usted aprenderá a utilizar una “ carta de cesar y desistir ” para evitar que los acreedores lo acosen.

Applying for Guardianship, Part 2 (Screencast) – saclaw.org

Guardianship and Conservatorship

This video walks the viewer through making the right number of copies for each guardianship paper and assembling them into the correct packets for filing, service of notice to relatives, dealing with difficult-to-find relatives, filing consent and waiver of notice of relatives who agree with the guardianship, preparing for the home visit, and responding to probate notes. This video is Part Two of the “Applying for Guardianship” video series.

Applying for Guardianship, Part 1 (Screencast) – saclaw.org

Guardianship and Conservatorship

Friendly animated characters portray a legal aid attorney and a guardianship applicant and answer common questions about Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit , filling out the court paperwork, the duties of a guardian, background check, and filling out the UCCJA declaration.