Home > Criminal Justice Act (CJA) > Capital and Non-Capital Criminal Representation

Case Compensation Maximums

Note:  Case compensation limits are not applicable in federal death penalty cases.  For non-capital cases exceeding the statutory maximum, attorneys must submit a CJA 26 (.pdf) and memorandum (.pdf).

Attorneys

For Work Performed On or After January 1, 2010

Type of Charge	Statutory Maximum
Felony Charge	$9,700
Misdemeanor	$2,800
Non-Capital Habeas Petition	$9,700
18 U.S.C. §4106A parole representation	$2,100
Other Representations	$2,100
Crack Cocaine Retroactive Amendment*    *As of November 1, 2011	$2,100 $1,500

For Work Performed On or After March 11, 2009

Type of Charge	Statutory Maximum
Felony Charge	$8,600
Misdemeanor	$2,400
Non-Capital Habeas Petition	$8,600
18 U.S.C. §4106A parole representation	$1,800
Other Representations	$1,800
Crack Cocaine Retroactive Amendment	$1,800

For Work Performed On or After October 13, 2008

Type of Charge	Statutory Maximum
Felony Charge	$7,800
Misdemeanor	$2,200
Non-Capital Habeas Petition	$7,800
18 U.S.C. §4106A parole representation	$1,700
Other Representations	$1,700
Crack Cocaine Retroactive Amendment	$1,700

For Work Performed Before October 13, 2008

Type of Charge	Statutory Maximum
Felony Charge	$7,000
Misdemeanor	$2,000
Non-Capital Habeas Petition	$7,000
18 U.S.C. §4106A parole representation	$1,500
Other Representations	$1,500
Crack Cocaine Retroactive Amendment	$1,500

Experts

Prior authorization is obtained by submitting a funding application, declaration, and proposed order.

For Work Completed After May 27, 2010

Type of Charge	Statutory Maximum
Without Prior Authorization	$800
With Prior Authorization	$801 - $2,400*
*Over $2,400 requires circuit approval

For Work Completed Before May 27, 2010

Type of Charge	Statutory Maximum
Without Prior Authorization	$500
With Prior Authorization	$501 - $1,600*
*Over $1,600 requires circuit approval