Attorney Fees

We always strive to make sure that our fees are reasonable.  Your fees will differ, depending on your type of case,  But no matter what, we will always explain our fees in advance, so that you clearly understand and agree to your fee arrangement.

Lawyers generally charge fees in three different manners.  The traditional method is by the hour.  Your bill is based upon the hourly rate of the lawyer and the time devoted to your case.  The second is what is known as a "flat fee", which is a set amount for standardized types of
service, such as preparation of documents like wills, deeds, powers of attorney and the like.  The third method is the contingency fee.  This type is usually used in personal injury cases, which enables a Plaintiff without resources to finance what is often lengthy and contested litigation to pursue his case.  The lawyer is only paid a fee if and when a settlement or verdict is obtained for the Plaintiff/client and its amount is a percentage of the settlement, traditionally anywhere from 25 to 40%, depending upon trials, appeals, etc.  Under Ohio law, such agreements must be in writing, and in the case of a wrongful death or personal injury involving a minor in probate cases must be approved by the court.

Our fees in personal injury and wrongful death cases are always contingent fees.  You owe us a fee only if we win a settlement or verdict for you.  You are responsible for the out-of-pocket expenses.  Your fee agreement will be explained in advance and reduced to writing, so that you will clearly understand your fee arrangement and the anticipated out-of-pocket expenses for your type of class.

Fees in Criminal Cases

Generally criminal defense fees are charged by the hour.  Except in unusual circumstances, the lawyer will require the client to pay a "retainer fee".  This is a lump-sum payment made by the client to the lawyer at the time he or she accepts the case.  The amount depends upon the nature and complexity of the case, as well as the projected amount of work which the lawyer will have to devote to the case.  In some cases, he will have to turn away future cases because of the demands of the case.  This is factored into the retainer amount and hourly rate.  The retainer must be placed into the lawyer's trust account and used to bill against as the case progresses.  If exhausted, the retainer must usually be replenished to cover the work to finish the case.  Conversely, if the case is resolved prior to the retainer being fully earned, the balance must be refunded to the client, less any outstanding expenses.

We require retainers in almost all criminal cases.  An exception is for long-term clients who have the financial means to pay the fees in installments.

Below is a listing of the general ranges of the retainer fees we require in most criminal cases.  Exceptions are made in some cases based upon the client's lack of financial resources and access to family members who can assist in paying fees.

                                                    Felonies   -   $3, 500 to $5,000

                                        Misdemeanors   -   $1,500 to $3,500

                                                           D.U.I.   -   $1,500.00

                                                    Juvenile   -   $500.00 to $1,000.00