The same way it is for state prisoners, the road to habeas corpus relief for federal prisoners is a loaded minefield. One bad step and your one shot at relief is over before it ever started. The obstacles faced by federal prisoners seeking relief under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 2255 may seem similar to those faced by state prisoners under 28 U.S.C. Sec. 2254, but it’s the little things that make all the difference. You need to know these differences.
In Insider’s Guide: Habeas Corpus for Federal Prisoners, criminal law author Dale Chappell gives an exhaustive account of why things happen the way they do in section 2255 proceedings. He explains that if you understand the why of section 2255 proceedings, the how will make more sense.
With more than 15 years of federal habeas experience, Chappell has written hundreds of published articles on habeas corpus. Insider’s Guide: Habeas Corpus for Federal Prisoners: brings you two of the best names in federal habeas corpus in one place. Nothing was overlooked in this thorough study of the section 2255 remedy, one that spanned more than eight years. It is a wealth of knowledge for even the “seasoned” section 2255 pros out there.
See also Insider’s Guide: Federal Habeas Corpus for State Prisoners:, dealing with the similar rough road to habeas relief in the federal courts for state prisoners.
Dale Chappell is the author of hundreds of published articles on the federal criminal justice system, and the Insider`s Guide series of federal post-conviction books. He is a consultant in federal post-conviction procedure and an authority on federal sex offense issues.
HABEAS MASTERS 