There is a oneyear time limit to file a federal habeas corpus petition under 28 USC s. 2254 (for state prisoners) or a motion under 28 USC s.To seal a new case, a party must file in the Salt Lake. City Clerk's Office: (A). AEDPA has three important aspects: first, it imposes a one-year statute of limitations on habeas petitions. Generally, a 2255 federal habeas petition must be filed within a year after your federal conviction became final. In most cases, if the defendant is served in Utah, they must file their answer within 21 calendar days after the date of service. Finality will no longer depend on whether a defendant's time for seeking state and federal appellate review has expired; it will depend on. 3 Petitioner fails to show that equitable tolling should apply. If your request for release is denied, you may submit another request after six months,23or you may file a habeas corpus petition to a federal district court.