INSTRUCTIONS FOR CJA FORM 30
DEATH PENALTY PROCEEDINGS
APPOINTMENT OF AND AUTHORITY TO PAY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
The CJA Form 30 should be used for all death eligible cases, regardless of whether the death penalty is
authorized, not-authorized, or de-authorized.
Read these instructions carefully before completing the form. Accuracy and thoroughness will aid in the
prompt payment of the claim. If possible, use a typewriter to complete the form; otherwise, write legibly with a
ball point pen (preferably black or dark blue ink). If the form is generated from the automated system, Items
1-11 and 13 will be preprinted on the form. Attach an itemized statement of the services provided and expenses
incurred. Give the date and the number of hours claimed for each service provided. Provide dates for, a
description of, and the purpose for any expenses incurred. For additional guidance, refer to the Guidelines for
the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act and Related Statutes (CJA Guidelines), Volume VII, Guide to
Judiciary Policies and Procedures, which is available for reference in the Clerk's Office.
Appointed counsel may obtain investigative, expert, and other services necessary for adequate
representation in accordance with the procedures set forth in subsection (e) of the Criminal Justice Act (as
amended), codified in part at 18 U.S.C. §3006A (CJA) and subsection (q)(9) and (10)(B) of the Anti Drug
Abuse Act, 21 U.S.C. § 848. Prior authorization from the presiding judicial officer is required for all such
services where the cost, excluding reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses, will exceed $300. Failure to obtain
prior authorization will result in the disallowance of any amount claimed unless the presiding judicial officer, in
the interest of justice, finds that timely procurement of necessary services could not await prior authorization.
Payment for these services should be claimed directly by the service provider on the CJA Form 31.
Vouchers shall be submitted no later than 45 days after the final disposition of the case, unless good
cause is shown (paragraph 2.21A, cja guidelines). All payments made pursuant to this claim are subject to
post-audit; contemporaneous time and attendance records, as well as expense records must be maintained
for three years after approval of the final voucher (paragraph 2.32, cja guidelines
). any overpayments are
subject to collection, including deduction of amounts due from future vouchers.
Item 1.CIR./DIST./DIV. CODE: This six-character location code is the circuit, district and
divisional office codes for the court where the proceedings whom the person represented are
held.
Item 2. PERSON REPRESENTED: Give the full name of the person whom you were appointed to
represent.
Items 3-6:DOCKET NUMBERS: Provide the case number assigned by the court. Enter the number
using the last two digits of the calendar year (YY), the sequential number assigned by the
court (NNNNN), and the defendant number (DDD), as shown in the indictment or charging
document. Thus, the format of the docket number is YY-NNNNN-DDD. Note: If two or
more cases are heard or tried together for the person represented, complete a separate
voucher for each case in which representation is provided (i.e., for each docket number
listed). Prorate the total time among the cases. On the supporting documentation, cross
reference the voucher number of all related claims for which costs are prorated.
Item 7: IN CASE/MATTER OF (CASE NAME): In criminal cases, enter U.S. vs. Defendant's
Name. If it is a multiple defendant case, give the case cite as provided on the indictment
(e.g., U.S. vs. Lead Defendant's Name, et al). If this is a habeas corpus proceeding, enter the
Name of the Petitioner vs. the Name of the
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Respondent and include the respondent's title.
Item 8. TYPE PERSON REPRESENTED: Check the box that defines the legal status of the
person represented.
Item 9. REPRESENTATION TYPE: Check one of the following types of representations:
D1 Habeas corpus (capital) petition pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254, seeking to vacate or set
aside a state death sentence;
D2 Federal capital prosecution, either trial or direct appeal;
D3 Habeas corpus (capital) petition pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255 seeking to vacate or set
aside a federal death sentence; or
D4 Death penalty prosecution in federal court under a state statute or any authority other
than the United States Code.
ATTORNEY'S NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS AND NAME AND MAILING
ADDRESS OF LAW FIRM: Complete Item 11 with the legal name and address of the
attorney appointed to represent the person whose name is shown in Item 2. If prior to your
appointment for representation, you had a pre-existing agreement with a law firm or
corporation, including a professional corporation, indicating that CJA earnings belong to
the law firm or corporation, rather than to the court-appointed attorney/payee, provide the
Name and Mailing address of that law firm or corporation in Item 13. This information will
allow earnings to be reported to the Internal Revenue (IRS) on a 1099 Statement as earnings
of the law firm or corporation and not as the earnings of the attorney appointed. (Note:
Information about a pre-existing agreement, including the Taxpayer Identification Number
(TIN) of the law firm or corporation, should be provided to the court staff when the
attorney is admitted to the panel or at initial appointment to a case.)
Item 10. OFFENSE(S) CHARGED: If the case is a capital prosecution in federal court, cite the U.
S. Code, title and section, or other code citation of all charges up to five. List all
death-eligible charges first. If the case is a direct appeal of a federal prosecution, list all
offenses for which the defendant was convicted.
Item 11/13If the court approves interim payments because of the conditions stated in Box "D," the
court should check this box. The presiding judicial officer or clerk of court must sign and
date this court order to validate the appointment. Check statement "E," if full or partial
repayment was ordered by the court from the person represented at the time of the
appointment. If services were provided prior to court appointment, the presiding judicial
officer can ratify the previous service by indicating a "nunc pro tunc" date that covers the
services prior to appointment. No other court order is necessary.
Item 12COURT ORDER: Check the box that describes the type of counsel appointed. If appointed
as a substitute counsel, give the name of the previous counsel and the appointment date. If
appointed as a "Standby Counsel," attach the court order establishing this type of
appointment in accordance with paragraph 2.17 of the CJA Guidelines. Specific
qualifications are required for all counsel appointed to provide representation in death
penalty cases. See 21 U.S.C. § 848 (q)(5)- (7) and 18 U.S.C. § 3005. The remaining portion
of the Item will be completed by the clerk of court or other court-designated person.
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Item 14.STAGE OF PROCEEDING: Check the box that corresponds to the stage of proceeding
for services claimed in Item 15 even if it is anticipated that the work will be used in
connection with a later stage of the proceeding. CHECK ONLY ONE BOX. Submit a
separate voucher for each stage of proceeding. NOTE: The stage noted as "Other" under
"Other Proceeding" should be used only for a petition for presidential pardon or clemency,
or other proceeding that cannot fit within the other described categories.
Item 15. CLAIM FOR SERVICES--CATEGORIES FOR HOURS AND COMPENSATION:
On the applicable lines "a" through "j" enter the actual time spent in hours and tenths of
hours. Total the number of hours in out-of-court categories "b" - "j" and enter the total in
the "HOURS CLAIMED" column where required. Multiply the total hours for in-court and
out-of-court time by the allowable compensation rate. Enter the amount claimed in the
"TOTAL AMOUNT CLAIMED" column for category "a", and for categories "b" - "j."
NOTE: Indicate "Other Dispositive Motions" only for work related to a motion to dismiss,
motion for summary judgment, or similar motion to end the entire habeas corpus
proceeding. If services included in-court hearings of one hour each on separate dates, enter
two hours on the form and attach a sheet indicating one hour for each of the two dates.
Any mathematical or technical adjustments to your claim during the judicial approval
process or an additional review will be indicated in the columns provided on the form under
the heading "FOR COURT USE ONLY."
Item 16.TRAVEL EXPENSES: Travel related expenses that are incidental to the representation
(e.g., transportation, lodging, meals, car rental, parking, bridge, road and tunnel tolls, etc.)
must be itemized on a separate sheet, indicating dates the expense was incurred. Attach
supporting documentation (receipts, canceled checks, etc.) for all travel expenses. Travel
expenses by privately owned automobile, motorcycle, or aircraft should be claimed at the
rate in effect for federal employees at the time of travel. For overnight travel, reasonable
expenses for lodging and meals will be reimbursed on an actual expense basis; per diem is
not allowed. Counsel should be guided by prevailing limitations for travel and subsistence
expenses of federal employees. The clerk of court can advise you on applicable rates and
federal government travel regulations.
Item 17. OTHER EXPENSES: Itemize all reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses incidental to the
representation. Provide dates and a brief description of the expense. Submit supporting
documentation (a receipt, canceled check, etc.) for single item expenses in excess of $50.
Reimbursable expenses may include, in some circumstances, payments to a law student or
law clerks for research and assistance, and the cost of computer assisted legal research
(CALR) when conducted by counsel. See paragraph 2.31 and 3.15 of the CJA Guidelines
for an explanation. Fees and expenses for expert attorney and other consultants in death
penalty cases should be authorized and claimed on a CJA Form 31. The following are not
reimbursable expenses, and should not be claimed:
1. General office overhead, such as rent, telephone services, and secretarial services.
2. Expenses for items of a personal nature for the client (e.g., clothes, haircuts).
3. The cost of printing briefs. However, the cost of photocopying or similar copying service
is reimbursable.
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4. Fact witness fees, witness travel costs, and expenses for service of subpoenas. These
expenses are not paid out of the CJA appropriation, but instead are paid by the Department
of Justice pursuant to Fed. R. Crim. P. 17 and 28 U.S.C. § 1825. Contact the United States
Marshal for payment procedures. See paragraph 3.13 of the CJA Guidelines for guidance on
payment of witness fees generally.
5. Filing fees. These fees are waived for persons proceeding under the CJA.
6. The cost of allowable investigative, expert, or other services. (See Chapters III and VI of
the CJA Guidelines) such services should be requested using a CJA Form 31.
1.Compensation taxes. Taxes paid on attorney compensation, whether based on
income, sale, or gross receipts, are not reimbursable expenses.
Totals: Enter the "Grand Total" where required by adding the total amount claimed
for "in-court," "categories b - j," "Travel Expenses," and "Other Expenses."
Item 18.CERTIFICATION OF ATTORNEY/PAYEE FOR PERIOD OF SERVICE: The
person appointed by the court must certify dates of service for the representation. Indicate
where required, the date range for the services claimed on the voucher.
Item 19. APPOINTMENT TERMINATION DATE, IF OTHER THAN CASE COMPLETION:
If the appointment is discontinued by order of the court (i.e., substituted counsel or reasons
other than disposition of the defendant's case such as fugitive defendant, appointment of a
public defender, or retention of counsel by defendant), give the effective date for
termination of appointment.
Item 20. CASE DISPOSITION: Indicate case disposition for the person represented. Select
applicable code from the table below.
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Type of DispositionCodeDistrict Court Criminal and Other
Proceedings Dismissed1Acquitted by court, or government motion
for judgment of acquittal granted2Acquitted by jury3Convicted/final plea guilty4Convicted/final plea nolo5Convicted/court trial8Convicted/jury trial9MistrialCNot Guilty/insane/court trialEGuilty/insane/court trialFNot guilty/insane/jury trialGGuilty/insane/jury trialHOther (PTD matters, other reps. Transfers
,etc)XAppealsAffirmedAReversedRRemanded0Reversed in Part/Affirmed in PartRAAffirmed in Part/Reversed in PartARDismissed1Habeas/Petitions/WritsGrantedGRDeniedDE
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Item 21.CLAIM STATUS: Indicate, by checking the appropriate box, whether the voucher is (1)
the final payment for the services, (2) an interim payment, or (3) a supplemental payment
(an additional claim submitted after a final payment is made). If an interim payment,
indicate the payment number. Complete the remaining portion of Item 21, and sign and date
the affirmation statement before submitting the claim for court approval.
Items 22-27a.APPROVED FOR PAYMENT--COURT USE ONLY: The presiding judicial officer will
indicate the amount approved for each major category. These amounts will reflect
mathematical or technical adjustments to your claim. The total amount approved for
payment of the claim, less any amounts withheld for interim payment, is reflected in the
"TOTAL AMOUNT APPROVED." The "SIGNATURE OF THE PRESIDING
JUDICIAL OFFICER" is required to effect payment of the claim. The JUDGE CODE
will be provided by the court staff.
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