Mat Zwerling – in memoriam
Matthew (Mat) Zwerling, co-founder of the First District Appellate Project (FDAP) and Executive Director for many years, passed away on March 24, 2022, after a long illness. We are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, and take this time to reflect on Mat’s life and the difference he made in the lives of so many. Mat was a mensch, a mentor, an activist, and a man of many and varied interests and talents.
Please visit our remembrance page and join us in celebrating Mat's lifeCOVID-19 Information for FDAP Clients and Panel Attorneys
In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the First District Appellate Project (FDAP) extends our best wishes to those stricken by the virus and all those impacted in other ways, including financial losses and job security.
Please visit our Pandemic 2021 information page and FAQs, where we share information about FDAP operations, Court operations, and try our best to answer any questions. Be sure to view the related FAQs.
MoreFirst District Panel Victories
May 17, 2022
A163259
Panel Attorney: Heather Shallenberger
The Court of Appeal remanded for resentencing in light of two amendments (Senate Bill No. 567 (2021-2022 Reg. Sess.) and Assembly Bill No. 124 (2021-2022 Reg. Sess.)) to Penal Code section 1170, which limited the court’s ability to impose a sentence exceeding the middle term and created a presumption in favor of the low term under certain circumstances.
Recent Opinions & Review Grants
Short summaries of recent published opinions issued by the California Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, and Appellate Divisions – and recent review grants issued by the California Supreme Court – in criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment cases.
MorePathways to an Appellate Practice
Interested in becoming an appellate attorney? Visit our Pathways to an Appellate Practice section for details on
- becoming a panel attorney;
- FDAP’s Associate Staff Attorney Program; and
- law student opportunities.