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Yes! You can use AI to fill out Form HC-004, Notice and Request for Ruling (Habeas Corpus)

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Form HC-004, Notice and Request for Ruling (Habeas Corpus), page 1
Basic · 32/100Form Complexity Index

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What this form asks for

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California Judicial Council Form HC-004, Notice and Request for Ruling, is a legal document filed by a petitioner or their attorney in a habeas corpus case. Its purpose is to formally alert the superior court that it has not issued a ruling on the petition within the 60-day timeframe mandated by California Rules of Court, rule 4.551(a)(3)(A), and to officially request that the court do so. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
Fillable fields25
Pages1
Form Complexity IndexBasic, 32/100

The AI checks your answers before you download

14 checks built for this form, so a wrong date or a missing answer is caught before anyone else sees it.

Validates Petition Filing Date is at least 60 days in the past

This check ensures the date entered in the 'petFIleDate' field is a valid date that occurred more than 60 days prior to the submission date. The entire purpose of this form is to request a ruling on a petition that has not been addressed within 60 days, as per California Rules of Court 4.551(a)(3)(A). If the date is less than 60 days ago, the request is premature and legally invalid.

Ensures County Consistency

This validation verifies that the county name entered in the 'CrtCounty' field (for the current court) is identical to the county name in the 'petCounty' field (where the original petition was filed). This is critical to ensure the request is being submitted to the correct court that has jurisdiction over the original petition. A mismatch would likely lead to the request being rejected or lost.

Validates State Bar Number Format

This check confirms that the 'BarNo' field, if filled, contains only numeric characters. The State Bar Number is a unique identifier for attorneys in California, and it must be accurate for verification purposes. An invalid format could prevent the court from confirming the attorney's standing and delay the case.

Validates Email Address Format

This check ensures that the value entered in the 'Email' field follows the standard '[email protected]' format. A valid email address is crucial for the court to send electronic notices, rulings, and other communications. An invalid email address would lead to failed communication and potential missed deadlines.

Ensures Defendant's Name is Provided

This validation confirms that the defendant's name field ('defName' or the 'In re:' field) is not empty. The defendant's name is the primary subject of the habeas corpus petition and is essential for the court to identify the correct case file. Without this information, the form is meaningless and cannot be processed.

Validates Defendant's Date of Birth

This check ensures the 'defDOB' field contains a valid date and that the date is in the past. This helps prevent typographical errors and ensures the data is logical for identifying the defendant. An invalid or future date would indicate a data entry error that needs correction.

And 8 more checks
  • Ensures Signature Date is Present
  • Ensures Signatory's Printed Name is Present
  • Validates ZIP Code Format
  • Ensures Case Number is Provided
  • Logical Date Check: Signature Date vs. Filing Date
  • Attorney Information Completeness
  • Ensures Petitioner's Name is Provided
  • Validates California Dept. of Corrections Number Format

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How to Fill Out HC-004 Online for Free in 2026

What the AI walks you through.

  1. Navigate to Instafill.ai and upload the HC-004 form or select it from the template library.
  2. Provide your personal details, including name, contact information, and State Bar number if applicable, along with the case number and court information.
  3. Enter the name of the petitioner, the county where the original habeas corpus petition was filed, and the exact date of filing.
  4. Confirm that a copy of the original petition for writ of habeas corpus will be attached to this notice, as required.
  5. Carefully review all the information populated by the AI for accuracy, ensuring all names, dates, and case details are correct.
  6. Date and sign the form under penalty of perjury to certify that the information provided is true and correct.
  7. Download, save, and print the completed HC-004 form for your records and for filing with the appropriate superior court.

Common Mistakes in Completing HC-004

The ones the AI is built to catch.

Incorrect or Missing Case Number
The case number is essential for linking this notice to the original habeas petition already filed with the court. Filers often forget to include it, transcribe it with errors, or confuse it with another case number, such as the original criminal case number. An incorrect or missing case number will prevent the court clerk from locating the file, leading to significant delays or outright rejection of the notice. To avoid this, carefully copy the exact case number from the court-stamped original petition.
Failure to Attach the Original Habeas Corpus Petition
The form explicitly requires a copy of the original petition to be attached. This is a common and critical error, as the court needs the original petition to understand the context and substance of the request for a ruling. Submitting the notice without this attachment will result in its immediate rejection, as the court has no basis for review. Always use a checklist to ensure all required attachments are included before filing.
Inaccurate Original Petition Filing Date
This notice is predicated on the court's failure to rule within 60 days of the original petition's filing. Entering an incorrect date—such as the date the petition was mailed instead of the official court-stamped filing date—can invalidate the notice. If the date provided is less than 60 days before the notice is filed, the court will dismiss it as premature. Always verify the exact filing date from your conformed copy of the original petition.
Misidentifying Parties in the Case Caption
In a habeas corpus action, the petitioner is the person challenging their confinement (whose name goes in the 'In re:' line), while the 'Defendant' is typically the warden or official holding them. Many filers mistakenly list themselves as the defendant or use the defendant from their original criminal trial. This causes procedural confusion and may require the filing to be amended, causing delays. It is crucial to correctly identify the respondent (custodian) as the defendant for the habeas action.
Omitting the CDCR Number
For incarcerated petitioners, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) number is a primary and unique identifier. Forgetting to include this number makes it significantly harder and slower for the court and related agencies to locate the petitioner and their records. This omission can lead to processing delays while the petitioner's identity is manually verified. If applicable, this number must be provided clearly and accurately.
Missing Signature or Incorrect Declaration Date
The declaration 'under penalty of perjury' is a sworn statement that requires a valid signature and date to be legally effective. Filers often print the form and forget to sign it, or they may enter the wrong date, rendering the document invalid. An unsigned notice cannot be acted upon by the court and will be rejected. Always perform a final review to ensure the form is physically signed and dated correctly before submission.
Inconsistent County Court Information
The form asks for the county of the Superior Court in two separate places: in the court information header and in the body of the text. A common mistake is to fill out one but not the other, or to enter two different counties, creating ambiguity. This can cause the document to be misrouted or rejected. Both fields must be filled out accurately and consistently with the county where the original petition was filed.
Writing in the 'FOR COURT USE ONLY' Box
The box at the top right of the form is strictly reserved for court clerks to apply official stamps, dates, and notations. Individuals unfamiliar with legal forms sometimes mistakenly write information in this area. This interferes with the court's processing workflow and can lead to the form being rejected, forcing the filer to start over. This area must always be left blank.
Submitting an Obsolete Form Version
Courts regularly update their forms to reflect changes in laws and rules. This form is marked as 'Rev. September 1, 2018.' Using an older, outdated version may result in rejection because it might lack necessary information or contain superseded legal citations. Before filling out any legal document, always verify on the court's official website that you are using the most current version available.
Submitting a Form with Illegible Handwriting
Although this is a fillable PDF, many people print it and fill it out by hand. If the handwriting is difficult to read, court staff may be unable to enter the data correctly, leading to errors in the case record or rejection of the form. It is always best to type information directly into the form before printing. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can convert even flat, non-fillable PDFs into fillable versions, ensuring all entries are clear, typed, and legible.
Incomplete or Outdated Contact Information
The 'Attorney or Party' section requires complete and current contact information. People often provide an old address or phone number, or they leave fields like email blank, thinking they are optional. This is a critical error, as the court uses this information to send rulings, notices of hearings, and other vital communications. Inaccurate information can lead to missed deadlines and negative outcomes in the case. AI form-filling tools like Instafill.ai can help by storing and populating your current information accurately every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About HC-004

 

Is it really free for 7 days?
Yes. You pay $0 today. Cancel before Nov 4 and you are never charged. Keep it, and it is $19.99 a month for 5 fills of your HC-004.
Can I fill other forms too?
This plan is for your HC-004: your own AI agent fills it as often as 5 times a month. To fill other forms and upload your own, choose a Professional plan from your account.
How do I cancel?
From your account, in two clicks, any time. No email, no call.
How does the AI fill out HC-004?
You answer a few questions in plain words, or upload a document you already have. The AI reads what you give it and puts each answer into the right field of HC-004, on every page, in seconds. It checks the answers against the form's own rules, and you review and change anything before you download, print or sign.
What happens to my information?
It is encrypted in transit and at rest, and it is never used to train AI.
How complex is HC-004 to fill out?
HC-004 has a Form Complexity Index of 32 out of 100, in the basic tier: 25 fillable fields across 1 page. Instafill.ai's AI fills it in under a minute, with every field there for you to review before you download.
What is the purpose of Form HC-004, Notice and Request for Ruling?
This form is used to officially notify the court that you have not received a decision on your petition for a writ of habeas corpus within the 60-day period required by California court rules. It serves as a formal request for the court to make a ruling.
Who needs to file this form?
You should file this form if you are the person (or the attorney for the person) who filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus and more than 60 days have passed since the filing date without a ruling from the court.
When should I file Form HC-004?
You should file this form only after 60 days have elapsed from the date you filed your original habeas corpus petition. Filing before the 60-day period is premature.
What documents do I need to attach to this form?
You must attach a complete copy of the original petition for writ of habeas corpus that you previously filed. The court needs this to reference your original request.
What case number do I use on the form?
You must use the same case number that was assigned to your original petition for writ of habeas corpus. This number can be found on documents you received from the court when you first filed.
What if I don't have a California Dept. of Corrections (CDC) number?
The CDC number is only required if applicable, meaning if the person in question is incarcerated in a California state prison. If they are not, or if you don't have the number, you can leave this field blank.
Where do I file the completed Form HC-004?
You must file this form in the same Superior Court where you filed your original petition for writ of habeas corpus. Submit it to the court clerk's office.
What happens after I file this Notice and Request for Ruling?
Filing this form officially alerts the court that a ruling is overdue on your case. While it does not guarantee an immediate decision, it prompts the court to review the petition and issue a ruling.
Does filing this form guarantee the court will rule in my favor?
No, this form does not influence the outcome of your case. It is simply a procedural tool to request that the court make a decision, whether that decision is to grant, deny, or take other action on your petition.
Can I use an AI tool to help me fill out this form?
Yes, you can use services like Instafill.ai to help complete this form. AI tools can accurately auto-fill fields with your saved information, saving time and reducing the chance of errors.
How can I fill out Form HC-004 online?
To fill this form out online, you can use a platform like Instafill.ai. Simply upload the form, and the service will provide an interactive version that you can fill out on your computer before printing for submission.
The PDF version of this form I found is not fillable. What can I do?
If you have a non-fillable or 'flat' PDF, you can use a service like Instafill.ai. It can convert the non-fillable PDF into an interactive form that you can easily complete online.
What information do I need to fill in the main body of the form?
You need to enter your name, the county of the Superior Court where you filed, and the exact date you filed the original petition for writ of habeas corpus.
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