Section 34.370 - Order to show cause; time for ruling on show cause order; attorney fees; entry of judgment or issuance of writ; effect(1) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the judge to whom the petition for a writ of habeas corpus is presented shall, without delay, issue an order directing the defendant to show cause why the writ should not be allowed.(2) Upon the issuance of a show cause order under subsection (1) of this section, the following shall apply: (a) The judge shall order that the defendant appear in writing in opposition to the issuance of the writ as soon as is practicable and not more than 14 days from the date that the show cause order issues.(b) The judge shall rule on the show cause order within seven days after either the defendant files a written appearance in opposition or the appearance period expires, whichever comes first. Upon making a ruling, the judge shall do one of the following, as appropriate:(A) If the petition is a meritless petition, issue a judgment denying the petition and ordering the plaintiff to pay the cost of attorney fees incurred by the defendant. In no case shall the award of attorney fees exceed $100. The fees may be drawn from, or charged against, the trust account of the adult in custody.(B) Issue a judgment granting appropriate habeas corpus relief.(C) Issue a writ of habeas corpus requiring that a return be made.(3) Entry of a judgment under subsection (2)(b)(A) or subsection (6) of this section shall be without prejudice. The judgment shall explain to the parties the reason for the denial.(4) If the court has issued a writ of habeas corpus requiring a return under subsection (2)(b)(C) of this section, the parties may stipulate to a hearing as described in ORS 34.670without the necessity of a return or a replication. If the court accepts the stipulation, it shall set the matter for hearing in an expedited manner.(5) Issuance of the writ under subsection (2) of this section shall not bind the court with respect to any subsequent rulings related to the pleadings of the parties or the ultimate disposition of the proceeding.(6) The court may, on its own motion, enter a judgment denying a meritless petition brought under ORS 34.310 to 34.730.(7) As used in this section, "meritless petition" means one which, when liberally construed, fails to state a claim upon which habeas corpus relief may be granted.Amended by 2019 Ch. 213,§ 12, eff. 1/1/2020.Amended by 1963 c.322 §1; 1991 c.884 §6; 1995 c.294 §1; 1995 c.657 §8; 1999 c.114 §5