File the Petition with the San Diego Superior Court. There is no filing fee for this Petition.This manual explains how someone without a lawyer can file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the California state courts. Understand the key differences between an appeal and a writ of habeas corpus, including their purposes, processes, and when to use each in legal cases. When we wrote this Informational Material we did our best to give you useful and accurate information because we know that prisoners often have difficulty. This petition, called a writ of Habeas Corpus, is filed in Federal Court (US District Court ) whether you are serving time in a federal or state prison. Any prisoner, or another person acting on their behalf, may petition the court, or a judge, for a writ of habeas corpus. Safeguarding Individual Liberty: The writ of habeas corpus stands as a cornerstone in the legal system. Prison inmates can file a habeas corpus petition with the California Superior Court. 405 B STREET, SUITE 900, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101, FAX: (858) 999-8936.