This part prohibits the provision of legal assistance in an action in the nature of habeas corpus seeking to collaterally attack a criminal conviction.

Except as authorized by this part, no Corporation funds shall be used to provide legal assistance in an action in the nature of habeas corpus collaterally attacking a criminal conviction if the action

(a) Is brought against an officer of a court, a law enforcement official, or a custodian of an institution for persons convicted of crimes; and

(b) Alleges that the conviction is invalid because of any alleged acts or failures to act by an officer of a court or a law enforcement official.

This part does not prohibit legal assistance—

(a) To challenge a conviction resulting from a criminal proceeding in which the defendant received representation from a recipient pursuant to Corporation regulations; or

(b) Pursuant to a court appointment made under a statute or a court rule or practice of equal applicability to all attorneys in the jurisdiction, if authorized by the recipient after a determination that it is consistent with the primary responsibility of the recipient to provide legal assistance to eligible clients in civil matters.