The Form CJA 31 is used to request, authorize, and pay for investigative, expert, and other services necessary for the representation of eligible persons in a capital case. It is used by the appointed attorney (or, as applicable, the retained attorney) to obtain authorization of investigative, expert, and other necessary services. It is also used by the service providers to submit claims for compensation and reimbursement of expenses.

The Form CJA 31 must be signed by the attorney, thereby certifying that the services were performed as claimed. The claim should include:

• A statement as to the type of, dates of, and time expended for, the services provided.
• An explanation of the fee arrangement.
• An itemized statement of all expenses for which reimbursement is claimed.
• Provide supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, canceled checks), where practical, for all travel expenses and for any non-travel expense in excess of $50. [Instructions to the CJA Forms 20 (Items 17 - 18), 21 (Item 16), 30 (Items 16 - 17), and 31 (Item 16)]

Click here for a copy of Form CJA 31 with instructions.