The inmate may file a petition for writ of habeas corpus. To use this form, you must be a person who is currently serving a sentence under a judgment against you in a state court.The Writ of Habeas Corpus protects prison inmates from false imprisonment to ensure people are not thrown into jail unlawfully. This manual explains how someone without a lawyer can file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the California state courts. Any person "in custody" can file a state habeas corpus petition. We also file pretrial writs to an appellate court. Habeas corpus petitions are complicated and best left to experienced appellate counsel. State Prisoners in Federal Criminal Cases. The U.S. Marshal will transport, maintain custody, and produce a state prisoner in a federal criminal action. The Board of Prison Terms (BPT) denied him parole (Ex.