Fees in a Criminal Case are based on the seriousness of the charges,  the ability of the client to pay,  and the amount of time and effort needed to vindicate the Right to Counsel.   While each case will vary,   some general points probably could be applied to any Criminal Defense Fee:

    1.  Must be paid in ADVANCE  No credit in this kind of case.  In this firm we want to worry about your case,  not you balance due.   A retainer must be paid in advance.  If you come in before the District Attorney files a formal charge, we may agree to divide payment into phases: 

            1) initial retainer to cover investigation and preparation before indictment or formal charge;

           2) second fee amount for post indictment, including discovery of evidence

 3) trial fee due when it is clear that we must work the case up to be ready to go to trial  and if necessary 

           4) a fee for an Appeal is generally the last portion of the fee

This arrangement helps the client avoid paying too much for services.  If you pay the lawyer a flat fee for the whole case through trial and there is no trial,  you would have overpaid.

     2.   Every Criminal Case involves time and effort.   We won't generally take any criminal case without a retainer  in advance.  The more serious the case, the more the fee. Some cases are taken on a "flat fee" basis, meaning you pay an amount for phases of work. 

        Each case is different,  an so each fee is set based on the particular facts of the case.  

        An initial Conference at our office to discuss your case may be free of charge.   If we decide to take the case, the fee will be formally discussed and a clear agreement will be made on the terms of the fee.

G. Paul Marx, A Professional Law Corporation