The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) provides for legal services for any person charged with a federal offense who is financially unable to afford counsel. If the court determines that a person is eligible for appointment of counsel, either the Federal Public Defender or an attorney in private practice compensated under the CJA Plan is appointed.
The CJA Panel is a group of qualified and court-approved attorneys who are appointed by the Court to represent individuals in criminal cases who are unable for financial reasons to retain counsel. Like federal public defenders, CJA panel attorneys have access to investigators, interpreters, experts, and other resources to provide excellent representation.
Each judicial district is required to implement the mandate of the CJA through a local plan. The Western District of Pennsylvania plan is here. The Federal Public Defender assists CJA panel lawyers with identifying and obtaining resources and also provides training and continuing legal education to panel lawyers.
Questions relating to the CJA Panel can be directed to the Federal Public Defender’s office at paw_cja-panel@fd.org.