This manual explains how someone without a lawyer can file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the California state courts. This petition must be clearly handwritten in ink or typed.You should exercise care to make sure all answers are true and correct. Sacramento County Superior Court. The Writ of Habeas Corpus protects prison inmates from false imprisonment to ensure people are not thrown into jail unlawfully. Petitioner is a state prisoner proceeding pro se with a petition for a writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2254. They withdrew following a change of venue of the trial from San Francisco to Sacramento, California. Any person "in custody" can file a state habeas corpus petition. On April 19, 1997, petitioner filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus in the state superior court. Respondent filed a federal petition for writ of habeas corpus, claiming jury coercion.