Although neither the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) nor the CJA Guidelines require prior court authorization for travel, the Guidelines provide that some local courts may require advance authorization for such items as counsel's expenses over stipulated amounts or counsel's travel in excess of stipulated distances. [Guide, Vol. 7, § 230.46]

Some courts also have specific requirements for documentation of expenses. Counsel may wish to seek the court's prior authorization for travel (particularly for overnight travel requiring lodging and for long-distance travel) to ensure that their travel expenses will be fully reimbursed.