Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_15-cv-02255/USCOURTS-caed-2_15-cv-02255-1/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

GERROD LONZELL HERNDON,

Petitioner,

v.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,

Respondent.

No. 2: 15-cv-2255 KJN P

ORDER

Petitioner, a county prisoner proceeding without counsel, has filed a petition for a writ of 

habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254, together with an application to proceed in forma 

pauperis.

Examination of the in forma pauperis application reveals that petitioner is unable to afford 

the costs of suit. Accordingly, the application to proceed in forma pauperis will be granted. See

28 U.S.C. § 1915(a).

A petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 challenges a state court 

conviction. A motion to vacate, set aside or correct a sentence pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255 

challenges a federal court conviction. Although petitioner’s petition is filed on a form for a § 

2254 petition, petitioner states that he is challenging a federal court conviction. Petitioner also 

states that the date of sentencing is “ASAP.” The petition contains no other information 

regarding the date of petitioner’s conviction or the grounds on which he challenges his 

Case 2:15-cv-02255-JAM-KJN Document 7 Filed 12/09/15 Page 1 of 2
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conviction.

Because the undersigned cannot determine the nature of petitioner’s claims and the relief 

sought, the petition is dismissed with leave to amend. In the amended petition, petitioner must 

clarify whether he is challenging a state or federal court conviction. Petitioner must also identify 

the grounds on which he challenges his conviction. If petitioner has not yet been convicted, this 

action will most likely be dismissed, regardless of whether it challenges a state or federal court 

conviction.

In accordance with the above, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

1. Petitioner’s motion to proceed in forma pauperis is granted; 

2. The petition is dismissed with thirty days to file an amended petition; failure to file an 

amended petition will result in a recommendation of dismissal of this action.

Dated: December 9, 2015

Hern2255.ame

Case 2:15-cv-02255-JAM-KJN Document 7 Filed 12/09/15 Page 2 of 2