CJA FAQ - Frequently Asked Quesions

When can I submit my CJA 20 voucher for payment?
What is the limit for CJA 20 vouchers?
When can I submit my CJA 30 (death penalty) voucher for payment?
What is the limit for CJA 30 (death penalty) vouchers?
What if I go over the limit on my voucher?
The form asks for a voucher number– where do I get one?
How should I track my time?
During the course of this case, the maximum allowable rates have changed. How should I list my time entries of varying rates?
Should I just submit separate vouchers for every rate used in a single case?
I lost my voucher/I never received one from the court.
How can I submit my voucher?
How will I know when my voucher has been received?
I know my voucher was received, but I haven’t heard anything since then. How do I know what is going on with my voucher?
I have moved since my voucher was issued, and the address printed on the voucher is no longer current.
Why can’t I search for my voucher on the internet any more?
Do I need to send a copy of my brief?
Do I need to send a copy of my petition for writ of certiorari?

CJA 20 vouchers can only be paid when the case has reached final disposition. Any voucher submitted before the issue of a mandate on a case, even if an attorney has finished his/her work on the case, will be returned as premature.

The case maximum is $5000. This amount includes fees only and not expenses.

CJA 30 vouchers can be paid at the court’s discretion on an interim basis, before final disposition of the case. Be aware, however, that amounts paid on an interim basis will be considered in the total expended on the case and may limit what can be paid on future vouchers.

Any request for compensation in excess of $15,000 in § 2254 and § 2255 cases, including any interim payments for representations of any one defendant is presumptively excessive.

The Court will consider paying amounts over the stated limits in cases that are unusually complex or include other mitigating circumstances. You MUST submit a form CJA 27 with the voucher explaining why payment in excess of the presumptive cap is sought in order to be considered for any payment in excess. Vouchers over the presumptive cap that do not include a form CJA 27 will be returned.

The court assigns a voucher number. Please leave that space blank for court use.

Time must always be listed in decimal TENTHS of hours. EXAMPLE Correct: .2 Incorrect: .25 Incorrect: 2/10, 1/5 Vouchers with time not in tenths will be returned for recalculation.

Rate is determined by the date the work is performed, not the date of submission of the voucher. Historical rates and their effective dates are listed in the CJA instructions. When you start working at a new rate, start a new set of fee worksheets. There should be no crossover of rates on a single page. Vouchers with fee sheets that do not comply will be returned for revision.

That is not ideal, and takes additional time to process. The best way is to submit a single voucher showing the total hours, and make sure that you submit separate fee worksheets for each differing rate. On the rate per hour line, you can put more than one rate, or just write in "various."

You may print a blank replacement voucher from the website and fill it out. Section 13, order appointing counsel, will be filled out upon receipt in this office and a nunc pro tunc date assigned.

You can mail, fax, or scan your voucher and email it.
Contact information:
Mailing address:

If you include an email address with your submission materials, you will receive an acknowledgment via email the day your voucher is received.

Currently, there is a backlog in the CJA office. We are doing our best to eliminate the backlog. Answering repeated inquiries about the progress of a particular voucher interferes with the realization of that goal. We ask that you exercise patience and not inquire regarding your voucher until at least 30 days have passed from the date of your receipt email. Email is the best way to inquire about your voucher. Please include the appeal number with your inquiry.

Please strike through the incorrect address and write in the new, correct information, including new phone and fax nos and new email address if applicable.

This function has been disabled as voucher numbers are no longer issued at the beginning of the process. This was implemented as part of streamlining the process for faster turnaround.

No. Briefs can be printed from our office if necessary.

Yes. We do not have access to petitions for certiorari to the Supreme Court. If applicable, please include a copy for review.