This petition must be clearly handwritten in ink or typed. You should exercise care to make sure all answers are true and correct.This manual explains how someone without a lawyer can file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the California state courts. Currently, only attorneys are required to file documents electronically. A 2254 petition must be filed in the federal district court that has jurisdiction over the county where the conviction occurred. A federal writ of habeas corpus is a legal remedy available to state and federal prisoners who object to their detention or imprisonment. Any person "in custody" can file a state habeas corpus petition. Understand the stepbystep process of acquiring a writ, from filing a petition to the enforcement of court decisions. The federal habeas timeline is not tolled further to allow a state habeas petitioner to file a petition for writ of certiorari in the United States Court. The habeas petition is for situations when a legal error occurred, as we say, outside the "four corners" of the court file.