About my fee ...

It is not unusual to get an e-mail message or a telephone call from a person worried about whether they can afford an attorney. Or, worse, from someone who knows they must find an attorney but knows they cannot afford that attorney. The first question will be "What do you charge?"

I can't quote you a fee without discussing your case over the phone or in person. Here's why:

I need to know the facts of your case

I need to know the facts of your case. If you have been charged with one crime, but the facts suggest that if the charging agency wanted they could charge you with more crimes, you have a larger problem than you know. If the charges they made are not supported by the facts, there will need to be a negotiation. If you didn't do the crime at all, I need to understand and prepare, even at this early phase, for a trial. If there are significant numbers of witnesses that need to be identified and interviewed, that can impact the amount of time that will be involved. The facts define what work will be needed.

I need to know the court

While the law is the same across Ohio, the courts react differently. Judges within each court react differently.

I need to understand your expectations

Your defense is of paramount importance. However, I work at your direction. If your expectations are such that a strong and determined offense is not in your best interest, I need to know that. For example, a case of domestic violence leaves unanswered questions. Do you intend to get back together with the other party? Do you intend to divorce? These questions impact the way I plan for your defense.

The call is free ...

The initial consultation call is free.

But I'm guilty ...

Are you sure about that? Let's say a police officer came to you with a DVD in his hand and said, "We got you. There's surveillence of the whole thing!" You leave assuming that the DVD she is holding contains evidence that damns you.

Officers probably won't adimit this, but a blank DVD and the suggestion that the police have video has led to many confessions. Officers can and will lie to obtain a confession. Another favorite is telling you that someone observed you. Maybe they did. Maybe they didn't. Another is to tell you that someone with you has blamed you for the crime. Maybe they did. Maybe they didn't. Again, the officer can and will lie to obtain a confession.

Talk to me. As your defense attorney, I normally won't do a thing until I file papers forcing the state to turn over all evidence it intends to use against you. Only then will you know what is true and what is false.

Please read my page about your right to remain silent.

Flat fee or retainer

In most cases I will quote you a flat that will cover the whole case, beginning to end. This flat fee is discounted from the price you could expect should you instead wish to pay by the hour.

In some cases I cannot charge a flat fee as I cannot understand the different scenarios that will require my time. In those cases I must quote a per-hour fee and will require a retainer to begin work.

My typical misdemeanor OVI fee is $750.00

Click here to find out why your fee might not be typical.