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D.C. Superior Court Appeals Coordinator's Office

The Appeals Coordinator's Office reviews, processes, prepares, and certifies all Superior Court cases in which a Notice of Appeal (NOA) has been filed. The Office serves as the liaison between the Superior Court and Court of Appeals. The office staff prepares and certifies the appeal record and/or record index to the Court of Appeals. Staff also reviews, processes, and certifies exhibits such as photographs, videotapes, large charts, and other materials.

The office adheres to the Court of Appeals Rules, as revised January 2, 2004.

Filing a Notice of Appeal

The Notice of Appeal should be filed in the branch where the case originated. There are two suggested forms for filing the Notice of Appeal that are available in the Appeals Coordinator's Office and in the division clerks' offices. Although not required, it is preferred that the Notice of Appeal form be used to file an appeal. The form will ensure that necessary information is captured, which will aid in the efficient and effective processing of the appeal case.

The Notice of Appeal filing fee is $100 unless the appellant is indigent and was granted in forma pauperis status in the trial case. The $100 filing fee covers costs of preparation of the appeal record and/or record index, but not the cost of the transcript, which can be significant. Alternately, the Motion for Transcript form can be used to order transcripts for Criminal Justice Act (CJA), cost waived, and in forma pauperis appeal cases. A Stipulation for Exhibits can also be filed in the Appeals Coordinator's Office to have exhibits included in the appeal record.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where should the Notice of Appeal be filed?
The Notice of Appeal (NOA) must be filed within 30 days of a final order issued by a judge. The NOA should be filed in the branch office where the case was initially filed. [That is, an appeal of a criminal case decision should be filed in the Criminal Division clerk's office, an appeal of a civil decision in the Civil Division clerk's office, etc.]

Is there a Notice of Appeal form and is it required?
There are two types of Notice of Appeal forms: one for cases arising in civil, family (except juvenile cases), and probate appeals, and another for criminal and juvenile appeals.

These forms are strongly recommended, although not required. Forms should be filled out completely to ensure efficient processing. The form is available in the Family Court and Civil, Criminal, and Probate Division clerks' offices.

How will the opposing party, known as the appellee (the party that the Notice of Appeal is filed against), receive a copy of the Notice of Appeal?
The Clerk of Superior Court is required to serve all parties a copy of the notice of appeal.

How can I review a Superior Court case file in the Appeals Coordinator's Office?
You can review a case file, called a "jacket" in the Appeals Coordinator's Office by completing a charge out card detailing the complete case caption, case number, current date, your name, and telephone number. The Superior Court case jacket must remain in the office and cannot be removed except by a Court employee.

How do I know what transcripts have been ordered in a CJA, paid, cost waived or in forma pauperis appeal case?
In a CJA case, all trial proceedings are ordered automatically. In a paid appeal case, the party who filed the appeal is responsible for ordering and paying for any transcripts needed. This includes transcripts that the opposing party wants to have included in the appeal record. Transcripts may be ordered in the Court Reporting and Recording Division in Room 5500.

In cost-waived and in forma pauperis cases, the party who filed the appeal must file a Motion for Transcript with the Court Reporting and Recording Division in order to request transcripts be prepared without cost.

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