The court must rule on a petition for writ of habeas corpus within 60 days after the petition is filed. To file a habeas action, send the court the following items: â–« Your original, completed petition form.First District Seeking Attorneys to Represent Inmates in Death Penalty-Related Habeas Corpus Proceedings. Habeas corpus refers to the principle of freedom from unlawful detention. They must have also filed a direct appeal to the appellate court and then to the California Supreme Court. Minor's appellate counsel filed a combined brief in the appeal and in the habeas corpus action on September 13, 2013. ( Clark, supra, 5 Cal. The Writ of Habeas Corpus protects prison inmates from false imprisonment to ensure people are not thrown into jail unlawfully. There is also information on direct appeals and habeas corpus petitions in the. Contra Costa County, Office of the Public Defender.