This petition must be clearly handwritten in ink or typed. You should exercise care to make sure all answers are true and correct.This manual explains how someone without a lawyer can file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the California state courts. A writ of habeas corpus is a petition that an individual uses to challenge their conviction or sentence in California. The Writ of Habeas Corpus protects prison inmates from false imprisonment to ensure people are not thrown into jail unlawfully. We also file pretrial writs to an appellate court. Approximately nine years after his conviction, Petitioner filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus in Santa Clara Superior Court, which was denied. Any person "in custody" can file a state habeas corpus petition. For example, they may be able to file appeals or petition the court for a writ of habeas corpus. Habeas corpus petitions are complicated and best left to experienced appellate counsel.