e-Filing Instructions (Fifth Appellate District)

Documents must be:

A single PDF file.
Unlocked (i.e., no passwords or saving as a PDF/A)
No more than 25 MB in size
An exact duplicate of the paper copy.

Working with PDFs

Original Signatures, Word Count certificate and the Proof of Service

For signatures on e-filed documents, type "/S/ YOUR NAME" above the signature line. A scanned copy of your signature is not required.
For the Word Count certificate, the court will forego the need for an original document signature on an e-filed document. (Still provide the word count.) Maintaining a signed copy in counsel's file is a good business practice.
For the Proof of Service signature, the court is applying Rules of Court, rule 8.71(f)(3). The party filing the proof of service must maintain the printed form of the document bearing the declarant’s signature and must make the document available for inspection and copying at the court’s request.

Documents Accepted for E-Filing

Pursuant to California Rule of Court, Rule 8.70, the Fifth District Court of Appeal will accept for electronic filing the following documents:

First Request for an extension of time in a criminal or juvenile appeal (30 day extensions only)
Informal responses to a petition for writ of habeas corpus

Pursuant to California Rule of Court, Rule 8.70, the Fifth District Court of Appeal requires the following documents be electronically filed:

Appellant's opening brief pursuant to People v. Wende in adult criminal appeals
Appellant's opening brief pursuant to People v. Wende in juvenile delinquency appeals (Eff. 4/1/13)
Appellant's opening brief pursuant to In re Phoenix H. in juvenile dependency appeals (Eff. 4/1/13)
Appellant's opening brief pursuant to Conservatorship of Ben C. in LPS conservatorship appeals (Eff. 4/1/13)

This electronic filing will satisfy, and substitute for, the filing requirement of a paper original and any required paper copies in this court. Counsel shall continue to serve paper copies according to the additional service requirements of The California Rules of Court, rule 8.360(d), unless, pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 8.71(2), a party indicates that the party agrees to accept electronic service.