Cal. R. 8.276

As amended through July 24, 2024

Rule 8.276 - Sanctions

(a)Grounds for sanctions

On motion of a party or its own motion, a Court of Appeal may impose sanctions, including the award or denial of costs under rule 8.278, on a party or an attorney for:

(1) Taking a frivolous appeal or appealing solely to cause delay;

(2) Including in the record any matter not reasonably material to the appeal's determination;

(3) Filing a frivolous motion; or

(4) Committing any other unreasonable violation of these rules.

(Subd (a) amended and relettered effective January 1, 2008; adopted as subd (e); previously amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(b)Motions for sanctions

(1) A party's motion under (a) must include a declaration supporting the amount of any monetary sanction sought and must be served and filed before any order dismissing the appeal but no later than 10 days after the appellant's reply brief is due.

(2) If a party files a motion for sanctions with a motion to dismiss the appeal and the motion to dismiss is not granted, the party may file a new motion for sanctions within 10 days after the appellant's reply brief is due.

(Subd (b) amended and lettered effective January 1, 2008; adopted as part of subd (e); previously amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(c)Notice

The court must give notice in writing if it is considering imposing sanctions.

(Subd (c) amended and lettered effective January 1, 2008; adopted as part of subd (e); previously amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(d) Opposition

Within 10 days after the court sends such notice, a party or attorney may serve and file an opposition, but failure to do so will not be deemed consent. An opposition may not be filed unless the court sends such notice.

(Subd (d) amended and lettered effective January 1, 2008; adopted as part of subd (e); previously amended effective January 1, 2007.)

(e) Oral argument

Unless otherwise ordered, oral argument on the issue of sanctions must be combined with oral argument on the merits of the appeal.

(Subd (e) amended and lettered effective January 1, 2008; adopted as part of subd (e); previously amended effective January 1, 2007.)

Cal. R. Ct. 8.276

Rule 8.276 amended effective 1/1/2008; repealed and adopted as rule 27 effective 1/1/2003; previously amended and renumbered effective 1/1/2007.

Advisory Committee Comment

See rule 8.386 for provisions addressing remittitur in habeas corpus proceedings and rule 8.490 for provisions addressing remittitur in other writ proceedings.