Who Should Use This Form. You should use this form if.3. If you are incarcerated in a federal prison, you cannot file for state habeas corpus. You must file a petition for federal habeas corpus. Federal prisoners in US Marshals custody may lawfully be transferred to the custody of a state or local government pursuant to a state writ of ad prosequendum. You need help now, but should you file a writ of habeas corpus or an appeal? Find out more about each method of relief in Florida and why you need a lawyer. 79.01 Application and writ. The purpose of the statutory reform was to curb the lengthy delays in filing that were occurring in federal habeas corpus litigation. First, a U.S.C. § 2254 allows us to file a petition for Habeas Corpus when the client is in custody under sentence of a state court and is in a state prison.