(A) On filing, the clerk of the court must immediately deliver the petition to the presiding judge or his or her designee. A petition for a writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2254 will not be granted unless you have exhausted the remedies available in state court.Issues which may be raised on habeas corpus; timeliness requirements for filing the writ; format and specific Sixth District's procedures. A habeas corpus petition is presumed to be filed without substantial delay if it is filed within 180 days from the due date of the reply brief on direct appeal. If you are without funds, execute the Declaration to Proceed in Forma Pauperis contained within the. Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus form. A habeas corpus petition in California allows you to challenge your conviction or sentencing. You can file it only after exhausting all criminal appeals. You do NOT need to file a 602 or other administrative appeal before filing a petition for writ of habeas corpus. Regrettably, the law is not helpful in terms of investigating such a lead.