Rates for Counsel:
The hourly rates for CJA appointed counsel have been increased to $148 (non-capital) and $190 (capital).
Accordingly, the non-capital case compensation maximums have increased as follows:
$11,500 (previously $10,900) for a felony,
$8,200 (previously $7,800) for an appeal,
$3,300 (previously $3,100) for a misdemeanor, and
$2,500 (previously $2,300) for other (e.g., supervised release, material witness)
The compensation thresholds that trigger Fifth Circuit review in capital cases have not changed.
Rates for Service Providers:
The case compensation maximum for investigative, expert, or other services without prior authorization is $900 (up from $800). This limitation applies to the total compensation, excluding expenses, for all services combined in both non-capital and capital cases.
The case compensation maximum with prior authorization in non-capital cases is $2,600 (up from $2,500). The $2,600 maximum, which excludes expenses, applies to each individual service provider.
The case maximum with prior authorization in capital representations has not changed. See 18 U.S.C. § 3599(g)(2).
Effective Date:
These changes apply to a voucher if CJA-compensable work was furnished on or after February 15, 2019.