The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) 602 appeal form gives inmates and parolees a formal channel to challenge any decision, action, condition, policy, or regulation that negatively affects their welfare. Appeals must be filed with the Appeals Coordinator at your housing facility within 30 days of the incident or the date you became aware of the problem. If additional space is needed, attach the companion CDCR 602-A extension form.
The review process moves through up to three levels of staff oversight. A first-level reviewer responds in writing. If the result is unsatisfactory, the case escalates to a second-level review and, if still unresolved, to the Director's level handled by the Chief of the Inmate Appeals Branch. At each stage you receive a written decision and a chance to continue if you disagree. California law protects filers against disciplinary retaliation for using the appeal process.
If you are navigating related CDCR paperwork, you may also need the CDCR 1824 Reasonable Accommodation Request, the CDCR 7385 Request for Interview, or the CDCR 106-A Trust Account Withdrawal form.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | CDCR 602 Form |
| Form Length | 2 pages |
| Fillable? | Yes |
| Fillable fields | 51 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 10 min 46 sec |
| Other names | ca cdcr 602, cdcr form 602, cdcr 602 appeal form, use cdcr only |
| Filing Deadline | Within 30 days of the incident or discovery |
| Extension Form | CDCR 602-A (attach for additional space) |
| Where to Submit | Appeals Coordinator at your housing facility |
| Review Levels | Up to 3 (First Level, Second Level, Director's Level) |