Q: Due date. Appeal vs writ
Is order on Motion to set aside dismissal of case against defendant is appealable? If consequent motion for reconsideration was filed, how due date to appeal is calculated?
Appeal or writ of mandate is appropriate in such situation?
A:
In California, an order denying a motion to set aside dismissal is appealable as it's considered a final judgment under Code of Civil Procedure section 904.1.
When you file a motion for reconsideration, the deadline to appeal becomes more complex. The time to file your appeal starts running from either the date the court rules on your reconsideration motion or the date the motion is denied by operation of law (60 days from filing), whichever comes first. You typically have 60 days from this date to file your notice of appeal.
While both an appeal and a writ of mandate are possible options, an appeal is generally the more appropriate path in this situation. Writs are extraordinary remedies and courts prefer appeals for reviewing dismissal orders. However, if you need immediate relief and can't wait for the appeal process, you might consider filing both - though be aware that courts rarely grant writ petitions when an adequate remedy exists through appeal. Make sure to carefully review California Rules of Court, rules 8.104 and 8.108, which govern these timing requirements.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.