Appointed Counsel

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Capital Case Budgeting (for counsel appointed on or after September 1, 2010): If CJA representation in appeals arising out of state or federal capital convictions is anticipated to exceed the average number of hours required for such representation (300 hours for appeal, 100 hours for certiorari petition), counsel must file a proposed litigation budget within three weeks of appointment, separately addressing each stage of representation. The proposed budget will assist counsel and the court in determining what compensation will be available in the case. For additional information, see CJA Payment in Capital Cases/Time and Expense Worksheets.

Review of Attorney Compensation Requests in Death Penalty Cases in the District Courts and on Appeal: On January 4, 2012, the Fourth Circuit Judicial Council published notice and invited comment through February 15, 2012, on its resolution establishing special procedures for review of attorney compensation requests in capital cases. On February 28, 2012, the Fourth Circuit Judicial Council suspended the March 1, 2012, effective date for the new procedures until further notice, to permit consideration of the comments received. The January 4, 2012, notice of the procedures is available here, and the February 28, 2012, suspension notice is available here.

CJA Appellate Panel Application Period: The annual application period for the court's CJA Appellate Panel runs from June 3, 2013, to September 3, 2013. Applications received outside of the application period will be acknowledged and held for consideration at the CJA Appellate Panel Committee's annual meeting held each fall. Appointments to the panel extend for a 3-year term. Fourth Circuit bar members with experience in federal criminal law and appellate procedure are invited to apply for panel membership using the CJA Panel Application Form. CJA Appellate Panel members are appointed on appeal in cases in which trial counsel has been granted leave to withdraw. A cap of $6,900 plus expenses applies to most criminal appeals, though a $2,100 cap applies to collateral proceedings such as appeals from the revocation of supervised release or the denial of bail. For members whose terms have expired, reapplication can be made by an abbreviated application for renewal within 12 months of expiration of your term. Please submit your application and attachments via email to:
4CCA-CJA_Apps@ca4.uscourts.gov.