I filed an appeal for my traffic cases conviction. I received a ticket, before having to appear in court the officer died of a heart attack. On the day of the trial I got to the court it had not started yet. I went and used the restroom and came back. I was the last one in the court room at the end and found out that my case was the first to be called. I was told I had to wait and get ruling in mail it said i had been tried in absentia and found guilty. The bases of my appeal I could use some legal help with. I believe there is prejudicial error, judge acting as prosecutor and judge, also due process was not available. No substantial evidence. Am I missing something? I have the article about the officer dying. The court hearing was recorded. When I filed my appeal it asks what form of record I want to use. I marked a copy of the oral record. ( I also filed a fee waiver) They acted like they had never seen the fee waiver form I got the info from CA court help web site. I was told that i would not get a copy of the oral record that they send to the appellate court. Is that legal? Is there any attorney in my area that might consider taking case Pro Bono by chance? Please help me