California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation · 3 Steps Required for Exhaustion
California uses a 3-level review process. You file a CDCR Form 602-1 within 30 days of the incident. Health care issues use a separate Form 602-HC. Missing any level or deadline can result in dismissal of your federal lawsuit.
Step 1 Deadline
30 days
Steps Required
3
Health Care Track
Separate Form
Health care grievances require Form 602-HC — using the wrong form will result in rejection.
The 2022 CDCR overhaul changed form numbers from 602 to 602-1; older forms may be rejected.
You must attach supporting documents at the first level — you cannot add new evidence on appeal.
CDCR can screen out (reject) a grievance for procedural defects; you have 30 days to correct and resubmit.
Each step must be completed in order. You cannot skip ahead. Here is exactly what to do.
First Level Review
Submit to: Institution Appeals Coordinator
Your Filing Deadline
30 days from incident
Calendar days
Their Response Window
30 days
Calendar days
Form(s) Required
What You Must Know
File within 30 calendar days of the incident or last relevant act.
Describe only one issue per form.
Attach all supporting documents now — you cannot add new evidence later.
Second Level Review
Submit to: Warden / Institution Head
Your Filing Deadline
30 days from prior response
Calendar days
Their Response Window
30 days
Calendar days
Form(s) Required
What You Must Know
File within 30 calendar days of receiving the First Level response.
If no response is received within 30 working days, you may bypass to the next level.
Third Level Review (Office of Appeals)
Submit to: CDCR Office of Appeals, Sacramento
Your Filing Deadline
30 days from prior response
Calendar days
Their Response Window
60 days
Calendar days
Form(s) Required
What You Must Know
The Third Level decision constitutes exhaustion for federal court purposes.
Mail to: CDCR Office of Appeals, P.O. Box 942883, Sacramento, CA 94283-0001.
Use certified mail and keep the receipt.
Our team knows the CDCR process inside and out. We'll track every deadline, prepare every form, and make sure nothing gets dismissed on a technicality.