A writ of habeas corpus in California is where an inmate challenges their conviction or sentencing. Contact an award-winning Writ of Habeas Corpus lawyer today.The Writ of Habeas Corpus protects prison inmates from false imprisonment to ensure people are not thrown into jail unlawfully. This manual explains how someone without a lawyer can file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the California state courts. 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 in California allows you to challenge your conviction or sentencing. You can file it only after exhausting all criminal appeals. A statecourt writ of habeas corpus is brought pursuant to California law, whereas a federal writ is brought under prevailing federal law. A habeas corpus petition involves filing a writ petition when a person is illegally detained. 3 Id. Mr. Taylor therefore petitions this Court for an original writ of habeas corpus.