Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_19-cv-01480/USCOURTS-caed-2_19-cv-01480-4/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 530
Nature of Suit: Prisoner Petitions - Habeas Corpus
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (State)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RICHARD ANTHONY PETERSON,

Petitioner,

v.

RALPH DIAZ,

Respondent.

No. 2:19-cv-01480 WBS GGH P

ORDER

On March 25, 2020, petitioner filed a motion for immediate release based solely on the 

existence of the present COVID-19 medical crisis in light of his possibly immune compromised 

system, and the prospect of release in mid-April 2020.1 ECF No. 26. Respondent shall file a 

response to this motion no later than 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2020. The undersigned 

recognizes that this is a short response time in the present conditions, but nevertheless, the 

purpose of the motion may be mooted unless resolved expeditiously. No extensions of time will 

be granted.

The undersigned is interested in whether such a motion is appropriate in habeas corpus at 

the district court level prior to any ruling on the merits, and absent the traditional focus on the 

merits of the claims. See e.g., Hall v. San Francisco Superior Court, No. C 09-5299 PJH, 2010 

1 It may be that petitioner believes his petition briefing suffices for a discussion on the merits.

Case 2:19-cv-01480-WBS-GGH Document 27 Filed 03/27/20 Page 1 of 2
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WL 890044 (N.D. Cal. Mar. 8, 2010) and cases cited therein; Kerestesy v. Californa, No. 2:15-

cv-0545 MCE AC P, 2017 WL 735736 (E.D. Cal. Feb. 24, 2017). If the answer is in the 

affirmative, the issue becomes whether petitioner qualifies for such relief.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: March 27, 2020

 /s/ Gregory G. Hollows

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 2:19-cv-01480-WBS-GGH Document 27 Filed 03/27/20 Page 2 of 2