Criminal Justice Act (CJA) attorneys are expected to use their own office resources, including secretarial help, for work on CJA cases. However, unusual or extraordinary expenses of these types may be considered "other services necessary for an adequate defense" and may be paid from CJA funds under 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(e). [Guide, Vol. 7, § 230.66.10] [Guide, Vol. 7, § 320.70.30]
In determining whether the expense is unusual or extraordinary, consideration should be given to whether the circumstances from which the need arose would normally result in an additional charge to a fee-paying client over and above that charged for overhead expenses. Refer to Decision of the Comptroller General, B-139703, February 28, 1974, 53 Comp. Gen. 638 for further details. [Guide, Vol. 7, § 320.70.30]
The applicable Form CJA 21 or Form CJA 31 should be used to request authorization and to submit claims for compensation and reimbursement of expenses for such unusual or extraordinary services.