CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT (CJA) INFORMATION

What is the CJA Panel?	Latest CJA Updates	FAQ for CJA Attorneys
CJA Expert and Investigative Services Forms	CJA Panel Budget Forms

Introduction to CJA Payment System

In conjunction with the implementation of the new CJA Panel Attorney Payment System, CJA Forms 20, 21, 24, 30 and 31, used for the appointment of and claims for counsel, experts, court reporters, and other service providers under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA), were revised in May of 1999. The revised forms are not multi-page carbon sets, but a single-page form. Instructions are not attached to the forms. Although the revised forms are not substantially different from the old version, the instructions provided are for your use. The additional data elements being requested on the new forms are explained in the instructions.

It is very important that you maintain complete and accurate records reflecting the time spent in conference with your client, as well as the advice or instructions provided. You should have a record of your time in Court on behalf of your client, in addition to anything else done in connection with that case. Please use the worksheets below to satisfy this requirement.

The Clerk's Office staff will audit your voucher to ensure that your claims are allowable under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) and the Guidelines for the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act (Guidelines), adopted by the Judicial conference of the United States. The staff will reduce claims that exceed the limits and will strike claims that are not allowable under the Act or the Guidelines. Your claim will be reviewed for reasonableness and compliance with the CJA and the Guidelines by the United States District Judge or Magistrate Judge who presided over your case.

Instructions for CJA Form 20	Worksheets for CJA Form 20(Excel Format)
	If you have trouble downloading this file, right click and choose "Save Link As" 02/06/2013 - Increased mileage rate

Instructions for CJA Form 21	Worksheets for CJA Form 21(Excel Format)
	If you have trouble downloading this file, right click and choose "Save Link As" 02/06/2013 - Increased mileage rate

	CJA Form 23 (PDF Format)

Instructions for CJA Form 24

CJA Form 24

This form will be provided to you by the Clerk at the time of your appointment. Instructions for completing Form 30 are provided below.

Instructions for CJA Form 30	Worksheets for CJA Form 30(Excel Format)
	If you have trouble downloading this file, right click and choose "Save Link As" 02/06/2013 - Increased mileage rates

This form will be provided to you by the Clerk at the time of your appointment. Instructions for completing Form 31 are provided below.

Instructions for CJA Form 31

WordPerfect Format

PDF Format

CJA Expert and Investigative Services Forms

Memorandum Request for Expert Services Up To the Statutory Maximum and Sealed Ex Parte Application for Authority to Retain Expert at Government Expense WordPerfect Format PDF Format

Sealed Order on Defendant's Ex Parte Application for Authority to Retain Expert at Government Expense (Statutory Maximum) WordPerfect Format PDF Format

Statement of Work for Expert Services (Statutory Maximum) WordPerfect Format PDF Format

Memorandum Request for Expert Services in Excess of Statutory Maximum and Sealed Ex Parte Application for Authority to Retain Expert at Government Expense in Excess of Statutory Maximum Updated 6/1/10 WordPerfect Format PDF Format

Sealed Order on Defendant's Ex Parte Application for Authority to Retain Expert at Government Expense Updated 6/1/10 WordPerfect Format PDF Format

Statement of Work for Expert Services Updated 6/1/10 WordPerfect Format PDF Format

CJA Panel Case Budget Forms

Case Budgeting Worksheet Excel Format

Case Budget Training Guide WordPerfect Format Word Format

Updated: 04/22/2013