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CJA FAQs

1. What is the Criminal Justice Act?
   
   The Criminal Justice Act was established to furnish quality representation in federal court for any person financially unable to obtain representation.  Each United States district court, with the approval of the judicial council of the circuit, shall place in operation throughout the district a plan for furnishing representation for any person financially unable to obtain adequate representation.   Representation under each plan shall include counsel and investigative, expert, and other services necessary for adequate representation.  For more information regarding the Criminal Justice Act Plan for the Northern District of Texas, see Miscellaneous Order 3.
   
   
2. How do I find out who is on the CJA panel?
   
   

   A directory of attorneys who serve on the voluntary Criminal Justice Act panel for the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, can be located on the court's public website at http://www.txnd.uscourts.gov/directories/Dallas_CJA_panel.html.

3. Top 10 ways to delay your payment.

   10. Don’t tell us when you move.

9. Claim payment for work done before your appointment date.

8. Don’t use the Attorney Timekeeping System.

7. Use your own designated categories to describe your work on the case.|

6. Omit receipts for expenses over $50.

5. Use paralegals and associates without pre- approval.

4. Never sign or date your voucher.

3. Make us guess whether your voucher is for a final payment or an interim payment.

2. For compensation in excess of $35,000, omit any explanation justifying excess payment.

1. Send your voucher straight to the judge rather than the clerk’s divisional office.