Criminal Justice Act

    The Criminal Justice Act Committee was established pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act Plan approved by the judges of the Court. It is composed of (5) attorneys who serve without compensation in staggered terms, the Federal Public Defender, a magistrate Judge, and the Clerk of Court. The Committee is chaired by a judge designated by the Chief Judge.

    The Criminal Justice Act Committee is comprised by the following persons:

    • Hon. Aida M. Delgado-Colón
      U.S. District Judge
      Chairperson

    • Hon. Gustavo Gelpí
      U.S. District Judge

    • Hon. Justo Arenas
      Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge

    • Hon. Bruce J. McGiverin
      U.S. Magistrate Judge

    • Frances Ríos de Morán, Esq.
      Clerk of Court

    • Joseph C. Laws, Esq.
      Federal Public Defender

    • Héctor Deliz, Esq.

    • Jorge E. Vega-Pacheco, Esq.

    • Thomas R. Lincoln, Esq.

    • Rachel Brill (National CJA Panel Representative)

    The CJA Committee is responsible for:

    1. Implementing the District's Criminal Justice Act Plan.
    2. Managing the Mentoring Program for attorneys requesting membership in the CJA Panel.
    3. Evaluating the applications of attorneys requesting membership in the CJA Panel.
    4. Managing the continuing legal education requirements for CJA Panel members.
    5. Assessing the performance of CJA Panel members, processing of voucher payments and other matters related to the CJA.


    If you wish to request membership in the CJA Panel you must fill out the CJA Panel Questionnaire and Application and file it at the Clerk's Office (attn Chief Deputy Clerk), 150 Carlos Chardon Street, Office 150, San Juan PR 00918-1767.

    CJA Voucher Payment Status

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