Rule 44.1 Application

If you are on death row and want to challenge your conviction or sentence for the first time in state court, this rule applies to you. The legal term for this type of challenge is a "writ of habeas corpus," which is basically a formal request asking a court to review whether you are being held legally.

This rule only covers the very first time someone makes this kind of request in state court. It does not apply to cases where the person is not facing the death penalty, and it does not apply to repeat requests.