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Court Rules

California Rules of Court

Rule 8.903. Stay of execution on appeal

Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.903

Current text effective January 1, 2009.

#(a) Application

Pending appeal, the defendant may apply to the appellate division for a stay of execution after a judgment of conviction.

#(b) Showing

The application must include a showing that the defendant sought relief in the trial court and that the court unjustifiably denied the application.

#(c) Service

The application must be served on the prosecuting attorney.

#(d) Interim relief

Pending its ruling on the application, the appellate division may grant the relief requested. The appellate division must notify the trial court of any stay that it grants.

#History

Rule 8.903 adopted effective January 1, 2009.

#Advisory Committee Comment

Subdivision (c). Under rule 8.804, the prosecuting attorney means the city attorney, county counsel, or district attorney prosecuting the infraction.

What this rule requires

Service and Proof of Service Rules

  • The application must be served on the prosecuting attorney.

Chambers Communication Rules

  • The appellate division must notify the trial court of any stay that it grants.

Document Filing Requirements

  • The application must include a showing that the defendant sought relief in the trial court and that the court unjustifiably denied the application.

Official text: courts.ca.gov , checked October 19, 2026.