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1. Rates. The maximum rates and amounts of compensation for attorneys who represent indigent criminal defendants and for the provision of services other than counsel shall be in accordance with prevailing rates and amounts as set by the CJA.

   The hourly rates and amounts of compensation are intended to be maximum rates and will be treated as such. In fixing the compensation, the court will consider the qualifications of attorneys and the relative difficulties encountered in presenting the case. The court shall also bear in mind the underlying philosophy of the CJA that the bar of the nation owes a responsibility to represent persons financially unable to retain counsel and that the compensation provided is not intended to equate private counsel fees. In keeping with that philosophy, payment in excess of the statutory maximum shall only be sought in complex or extended cases.

2. Excess. Payment in excess of limits may be made for extended or complex representation when supported by a motion from counsel requesting approval of the excess amount and stating the reasons why such excess amount is justified and when the court certifies that such payment is necessary to provide fair compensation to counsel or for services of an unusual character or duration and the amount of the excess payment is approved by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
3. Claims. Claims for compensation for representation provided under the CJA shall be promptly submitted, on the appropriate CJA form, to the office of the clerk of the court. That office shall review the claim form for mathematical and technical accuracy and for conformity with the CJA Guidelines, and, if correct, shall forward the claim form for the consideration of the appropriate judge or magistrate judge.
4. Payment. The court will exert its best effort to avoid delays in reviewing payment vouchers and in submitting them for further processing.

   Upon approval by the court, all vouchers and claims for compensation and reimbursement of expenses shall be entered into the CJA Panel Attorney Payment System for payment by the AO. The originals of the voucher forms are retained in this district for audit purposes.

5. Public Disclosure. The amounts paid for representation and for expert, investigative and other services under this Plan shall be made available to the public no later than the conclusion of all proceedings.