Death Penalty Proceedings: Ex Parte Request for Authorization and Voucher for Expert and Other Services

What is CJA 31?

Who needs to file CJA 31?

When to file CJA 31

Documents you need

• Official document instruction: Whenever a service provider submits a voucher that includes time spent in common and prorates that time, each CJA representation must be cross-referenced on the supporting documentation to each voucher.
• Official document instruction: If the time is billed to one representation, the other representations must be cross-referenced on the supporting documentation to that voucher.
• Official document instruction: Attach supporting documentation (receipts, canceled checks, etc.) for travel expenses.
• Official document instruction: Claims for mileage reimbursement must include the starting location, the destination, and the number of miles traveled.
• Official document instruction: Submit supporting documentation (receipts, canceled checks, paid invoices, etc.) for all single item expenses in excess of $50.

How to fill out CJA 31

1. 1

   Identify the correct resource

   Confirm the exact official document title, Death Penalty Proceedings: Ex Parte Request for Authorization and Voucher for Expert and Other Services, and identifier CJA 31. Check its edition and accompanying instructions before use.

2. 2

   Review: 1. CIR./DIST./ DIV. CODE 2. PERSON REPRESENT

   The official document includes “1. CIR./DIST./ DIV. CODE 2. PERSON REPRESENTED VOUCHER NUMBER”. Use the requirements and any conditional notes shown alongside that section; it may not apply to every person.

3. 3

   Review: 3. MAG. DKT./DEF. NUMBER 4. DIST. DKT./DEF.

   The official document includes “3. MAG. DKT./DEF. NUMBER 4. DIST. DKT./DEF. NUMBER 5. APPEALS DKT./DEF. NUMBER 6. OTHER DK”. Use the requirements and any conditional notes shown alongside that section; it may not apply to every person.

4. 4

   Review: 7. IN CASE/MATTER OF (Case Name) 8. TYPE PER

   The official document includes “7. IN CASE/MATTER OF (Case Name) 8. TYPE PERSON REPRESENTED 9. REPRESENTATION TYPE”. Use the requirements and any conditional notes shown alongside that section; it may not apply to every person.

5. 5

   Review: REQUEST AND AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPERT SERVICE

   The official document includes “REQUEST AND AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPERT SERVICES”. Use the requirements and any conditional notes shown alongside that section; it may not apply to every person.

6. 6

   Review: 11. ATTORNEY’S STATEMENT

   The official document includes “11. ATTORNEY’S STATEMENT”. Use the requirements and any conditional notes shown alongside that section; it may not apply to every person.

7. 7

   Apply documented instruction 1

   The official source instructs: “STAGE OF PROCEEDING Check the box which corresponds to the stage of the proceeding during which the work claimed at Item 16 was performed even if the work is intended to be used in”. Follow it only for the relevant section and any stated conditions.

8. 8

   Apply documented instruction 2

   The official source instructs: “Attach an itemized statement of the services provided and expenses incurred.”. Follow it only for the relevant section and any stated conditions.

9. 9

   Apply documented instruction 3

   The official source instructs: “Provide the case number assigned by the court.”. Follow it only for the relevant section and any stated conditions.

10. 10

    Review the document before use

    Review the information entered and the agency instructions before downloading, printing or using the document through the applicable official process.

How to submit CJA 31

Common mistakes to avoid

• Official caution: Service providers should review their vouchers to ensure that they do not contain errors, duplicate payment claims, or other improper charges.
• Official caution: Failure to obtain prior authorization will result in the disallowance of any amount claimed for compensation in excess of the § 310.20.30 limitation, unless the presiding judicial officer finds that, in the interest of justice, timely procurement of necessary services could not await prior authorization.
• Official caution: Proration of time among CJA representations must not result in a service provider billing a larger amount than would have been billed had the service provider assigned all of the time to one voucher.
• Official caution: Contract court interpreters must not bill or receive funds from any other federal court unit, federal public or community defender organization, or other attorneys or entities obtaining interpreting services under the CJA or related statutes for any services rendered during the same half- or full-day, hourly period, or other unit of time…
• Official caution: An interpreter billing on a half- or full-day rate basis, hourly basis, or other unit of time under the CJA must not charge any other federal court unit, federal public defender, community defender, CJA panel attorney, or other person or entity otherwise authorized by the court to obtain the services of an interpreter under the CJA or…