The California CR-126 form is an application for an extension of time to file a brief in a criminal appeal. When an appellant or respondent needs additional time to prepare their legal documents, this form serves as a formal request to the court. It allows individuals to specify which brief they are requesting an extension for, such as the appellant's opening brief or the respondent's brief. This process ensures that all parties have adequate time to present their arguments effectively.
Any party involved in a criminal appeal can file the CR-126 form. This includes appellants, who are typically the individuals appealing a decision, as well as respondents, who are the parties responding to the appeal. If you are representing yourself, you may also complete this form without an attorney. However, it is essential to provide accurate information regarding your case, including the relevant court case numbers and the details of your request for an extension.
When completing the CR-126 form, you will need to provide several key pieces of information:
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Your name and contact information, including your address and phone number.
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The court of appeal case number and the superior court case number.
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The specific brief for which you are requesting an extension, along with the current due date and the new requested due date.
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Details about any previous extensions you may have received and the reasons for your current request.
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A declaration under penalty of perjury affirming the truthfulness of the information provided.
It is also advisable to attach a proof of service, which shows that all parties entitled to receive a copy of the brief have been notified of your application.
How does the court respond to a CR-126 application?
Once the CR-126 form is submitted, the court will review your application. The presiding justice will either grant or deny the request for an extension. If granted, the order will specify the new due date for the brief. If denied, the court will provide the date of the denial. It is important to keep track of these dates, as missing a deadline can have significant consequences for your appeal.