Statement of Trust Fund Account form. INSTRUCTIONS I Preliminary Considerations before Filing a Habeas Corpus Petition Prisoners being held under a state criminal conviction may file a federal petition for writ of habeas corpus under 28 U.S.C. 2254 to challenge the validity of their conviction or sentence. The object of a habeas corpus petition is to obtain release from custody. 2241--2254 Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases Federal Rules of Civil...