Federal habeas corpus is a procedure under which a federal court may review the legality of an individual's incarceration. There are time limits for filing the petition. •.If you file under Rule 32, see the time limits in Rule 32.7. •. At this point you may either (1) petition the U.S. Supreme Court to request a writ of Certiorari (i.e. If you file under Rule 32, see the time limits in Rule 32.7. •. Arrested in Arizona? Call Today for Help! The federal habeas corpus statute requires that the petitioner exhaust all avenues of relief open to him in the state courts before bringing a federal action. There is a oneyear time limit to file a federal habeas corpus petition under 28 U.S.C. s. Roughly six weeks later, the intermediate state appellate court issued its mandate.