FAQ
Can an attorney charge for preparing a CJA voucher
No
What happens if I make a mistake or haven’t submitted the proper documentation after you review my voucher
If the mistake is something the CDO can correct and the mistake equal 1 hour or less, we will make the correction. However, if the mistake equals more than one hour we will contact you. If proper documentation is missing from your voucher submission we will hold the voucher and ask for the additional documentation needed to submit your voucher.
What happens if my claim for a felony case is over $9,700?
If the cumulative total of compensation is more than $9,700 for all work performed in the case (to include all attorneys combined compensation who represented the same defendant.), you need to include a CJA 26 form which is available under "CJA Forms and Info." If your voucher is approved by the assigned court judge, that judge will send a letter attached to your voucher and CJA 26 to the 4th Circuit for their approval. Once the 4th Circuit approves the voucher it will be sent back to the District Court and then to the CDO for final processing
Are resources of the Community Defender Office available to CJA counsel?
CJA counsel serves in the vigorous defense of indigent clients, and the Community Defender Office (CDO) is available to offer all assistance possible. CJA counsel can meet clients in the CDO office. However, time must be reserved to use the small conference room. Reservations can be made by calling our receptionist at 704-374-0720. CJA counsel may use the CDO library. The CDO duty attorneys are available to answer legal questions.
Whom do I contact to check on the processing of my voucher?
Thirty days after submission of the voucher, CJA counsel may contact CJA Administrator Nancy Kimbrough at 704-688-6907, Karen Wallace at 704-688-6925, or Rita Hayes at 704-350-6706.
What if I need an interpreter, investigator or Expert for meetings with my client and he/she submits an invoice to me. Do I claim their services on my CJA 20?
No. Interpreters, investigators and all other expert services are to be claimed on a CJA 21.
Can I bill for a paralegal working at my firm?
Yes. Detailed records must be kept and the services claimed must be submitted on a CJA 21.
How do I get a CJA 21 issued?
In this district you must file a motion and order requesting permission to use an investigator, interpreter or other expert. Once the order is signed the Clerk’s office will issue a CJA 21 and send it to the assigned CJA attorney to forward to the investigator, interpreter or other expert.
I have expenses that are more than $50. What do I do?
Any single expense greater than $50 must be accompanied by an itemized receipt of charges. For meal claims the actual itemized receipt showing items purchased must be submitted, not the credit card receipt that just shows a grand total.
What if I want my vouchers paid to my firm and not to me?
On the check you will be listed as "payee," however if you identified the firm as the entity that is to receive the 1099 form for tax purposes then the firm’s EIN will be noted for tax purposes.
Why are both my Social Security number and my Firm’s EIN number shown on the CJA checks I receive?
Because your Social Security number is a unique Identifier, it will appear on any payment you receive. For tax purposes if your firm is to receive the funds then the firm’s EIN will appear on the check stub.
I finished a case last year, but I never submitted a voucher. May I do it now?
Yes, but you must submit a memorandum explaining why you are submitting the voucher more than 45 after the completion of your representation. Memo should be addressed to the Judge, but submitted with voucher and worksheets.
Do I need to get travel preapproved?
All overnight travel and travel out of the district require prior approval. A motion should be filed detailing travel plans. Once this is granted a travel authorization letter will be issued to you by the Clerk’s office which will include the instructions of how to make arrangements and through whom.
My client was involved in two separate cases. Can I submit two separate cases. Can I submit one voucher including both case numbers?
Separate vouchers/worksheets are required for each case.
One of my former cases has been remanded for a resentencing. Do I use the same voucher I used the first time?
No, a new voucher is necessary because the resentencing is considered a new appointment.
How do I report “wait time” for an in-court claim?
In-court wait time should be entered in the "Other" category on the worksheet.
