The following documents and links are for information related to Criminal Justice Act attorneys.
NOTICE: All eVoucher Users
On March 15, 2025 eVoucher was upgraded to allow Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) (direct deposit) of all CJA voucher payments through a new Vendor Manager System (VMS).
When you log in you will be prompted to enter your personal contact information, tax classification and Tax ID information, and the bank information where you want to receive EFT payments.
Before you can sign in and create a vendor account, you must have a Login.gov account.
Payment vouchers submitted prior to the launch of the VMS will be paid by paper check.
You will not be able to submit new payment vouchers until you set up your VMS account.
Please click through to the VMS Resources below to learn how to set up your VMS account, authorized agent and link accounts. Instructions are available in video and PDF format.
Any business or organization registering with an EIN must determine, in advance, who will be their Authorized Agent. The Authorized Agent is the individual who is given the authority to act on behalf on the business entity. The Authorized Agent manages the payment account details, banking information and tax information for authorized users.
- Criminal Justice Act
- EVOUCHER & CM/ECF
- CJA Applications & Panel Lists
The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) (United States Code: Title 18, § 3006A) provides federal funds for attorneys, experts, and services necessary for the adequate representation of indigent defendants.
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DUTY CALENDARS
DUTY CALENDARS
DUTY CALENDARS
There are no duty calendars at this time.
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CJA eVoucher is the Court's electronic CJA voucher system. It provides for the creation, submission and tracking of all CJA related vouchers submitted to the court. As of September 1, 2012, all CJA payment vouchers must be submitted electronically using the
CJA eVoucher system. All CJA panel attorneys and CJA service providers must register with the Clerk of the Court to obtain user training and login information.
Click here for Login.gov eVoucher Sign In Resources
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Contacting the CJA Unit
Contacting the CJA Unit
Contacting the CJA Unit
CJA Supervising Attorney: Emily Bahr (619) 321-0778, Emily_Bahr@casd.uscourts.gov
CJA Specialist: Kayla Wilke, (619) 446-3581, Kayla_Wilke@casd.uscourts.gov
CJA Desk: (619) 557-5736, CJA@casd.uscourts.gov
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Becoming a CJA Panel Member
The Criminal Justice Act Panel is a group of qualified and court-approved attorneys who are eligible for appointment by the Court to represent individuals in criminal cases who are unable for financial reasons to retain counsel. The appointments are made by the Court on a rotating basis.
There are four panels in the Southern District: Criminal Defense (San Diego and El Centro), Appellate, Material Witness, and Central Violations Bureau.
2025 CJA Panel Applications
NOTICE TO ALL PROSPECTIVE CJA PANEL MEMBERS
Pursuant to General Order 499-H, the United States District Court for the Southern District of California is accepting applications for the following 2026-2027
Criminal Justice Act (CJA) defense attorney panels: Criminal Defense (San Diego only), Material Witness, Appellate, for the term commencing on January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2027,
and CVB Panel for the term commencing on January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2028.
Applications for admission will be accepted beginning on July 18, 2025 and ending September 19, 2025.
Applications received after 4:00 PM (Pacific Time) on September 19, 2025, will not be considered.
STEPS to submit your CJA Panel Member application.
The CJA Panel online application submission will be open on Friday, July 18, 2025.
Upload & Submit Application
to upload and submit completed CJA Criminal Defense Panel application form.
to upload and submit completed CJA Material Witness Panel application form.
to upload and submit completed CJA Appellate Panel application form.
to upload and submit completed CVB Defense Panel application cover letter and resume.