Appellate Division Oral Arguments

Misdemeanor, Limited and Infraction (non-traffic) appeals

*For traffic infraction appeals, go to the Appellate Division Traffic Oral Arguments page

How to Appear for Your Oral Argument

In certain circumstances, the San Diego Superior Court may allow appearances for oral arguments to be either in-person or remote.

To Appear In-Person:
Please arrive at the courthouse at least 30 minutes before your scheduled oral argument and report directly to the assigned courtroom.

To Appear Remotely:
You can attend the oral argument by video or audio conference using the free Microsoft Teams App, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

Appellate Division's Virtual Oral Argument Link and Conference Phone Number

For tips on how to prepare for a virtual oral argument, please refer to the Appearing for Hearings page for general information on using Microsoft Teams and continue reading below for information specific to Appeals virtual oral arguments.

Appellate Division's Virtual Oral Argument Link and Conference Phone Number

Location Courtroom MS Teams Link MS Teams Conference Number Zoom Link Zoom Conference Number

Central Division

 2001 Appellate Division Virtual Oral Argument +1 619-614-4567 United States, San Diego (Toll)
Conference ID: 805 490 959#		 Appellate Division Virtual Oral Argument +1 669 900-6833
Meeting ID: 16019470450

IMPORTANT: Please be advised that the virtual oral argument link may change. Please check and refer to this page on the date of your oral argument to ensure that you are using the most current department conference link or telephone conference ID number.


Future appellate division oral argument date(s):

To be scheduled - please check back later

Procedures During the Oral Argument

  1. At the beginning of a calendar being called, the judge will set forth guidelines for the proceedings. Listen carefully for further direction.
     
  2. Oral arguments may be called out in case number order or by party names, so be sure to pay attention as the calendar is being called. You may be asked to answer “present” at the appropriate time.
     
  3. All participants shall place their microphones on mute unless they are speaking or wish to make an objection.
     
  4. All efforts shall be undertaken not to interrupt other speakers during the oral argument unless it is necessary to assert an objection. Please do not interrupt when another party or the judge is speaking.
     
  5. If an interpreter is necessary, all participants shall speak slowly, in short, complete sentences or questions, and allow time for translation. No one shall respond to a question posed by another participant until the question has been translated. For information on requesting an interpreter, please refer to the Court’s Language Access page.
     
  6. If an objection is made, all participants must stop speaking and wait for the Court’s ruling on the objection. An attorney or self-represented party can ask to be heard on the objection after it is made. The Court may also request a response to an objection.
     
  7. All participants are required to identify anyone who may be observing or listening in on the proceedings with them. This is essential to ensure the procedural integrity of argument.
     
  8. Any written waivers of oral argument should be submitted and received by the Court at least two (2) Court days before your scheduled oral argument.
     
  9. Oral argument is limited to the time permitted by the applicable California Rules of Court (10 minutes per side for misdemeanor and limited civil appeals; 5 minutes per side for infraction appeals). Thus, participants are encouraged to not repeat arguments included in their briefs previously submitted to the Court.
     
  10. Following oral argument, or if oral argument is waived, the matter will be submitted for decision. Once submitted, the Court will make a ruling or send you a written decision. No further argument can be considered unless ordered by the Court.
     
  11. Participants SHALL NOT record the video conference. Refer to California Rules of Court, rule 1.150.

Guidelines for Participants

  1. For the purpose of these guidelines, a participant includes a party or their attorney of record.
     
  2. This information is provided as guidance. The conduct of the oral argument remains a matter for the judge presiding over the argument. Participants should follow any direction given by the judge(s).
     
  3. The behavior, manner, and presentation of a participant should be the same as if they were attending the oral argument in person. This includes addressing the judge(s) correctly as “Your Honor” and addressing the opposing party or attorney and the Clerk politely and courteously.
     
  4. The participant will ensure that there will be no interruptions or distractions for the duration of their appearance at the oral argument.
     
  5. Participants should have a copy of the record on appeal and all briefs and other documents available for reference during the oral argument.
     
  6. If joining the oral argument using video, participants are not permitted to use or access their phones during the oral argument except to communicate with their attorney of record as permitted by the judge.