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CJA INFORMATION

Latest CJA Updates FAQ Memorandum to CJA Attorneys

INTRODUCTION

In conjuction 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 mulit-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.

CJA Form 20 - Appointment and Authority to Pay Court Appointed Counsel
This form will be provided to you by the Clerk at the time of your appointment. Instructions for completing Form 20 are provided below.

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"
08/30/2007 - Increased mileage rate

CJA Form 21 - Authorization and Voucher for Expert and Other Serivices
This form will be provided to you by the Clerk at the time of your appointment. Instructions for completing Form 20 are provided below.

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"
08/30/2007 - Increased mileage rate

CJA Form 24 - Authorization and Voucher for Payment of Transcript

Instructions for CJA Form 24 CJA Form 24

CJA Form 30 - Death Penalty Proceedings Appointment of and Authority to Pay Court Appointed Counsel

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"
08/30/2007 - Increased mileage rates

CJA Form 31 - Death Penalty Proceedings Ex Parte Request for Authorization and Voucher for Expert and Other Services

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

District of Utah CJA Travel Authorization Form

WordPerfect Format PDF Format

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