Fee Agreement – Flat Fee (Criminal Defense)

1. Parties and Matter

• Law Firm: [FIRM NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Client: [CLIENT NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Matter: Criminal defense representation for [CHARGES] in [COURT NAME], case number [CASE NUMBER].

2. Scope of Flat Fee Services

The flat fee covers only the services listed below:
☐ Arraignment and initial hearing
☐ Pretrial conferences (up to [NUMBER])
☐ Negotiation of plea offer
☐ Limited motion practice: [SPECIFY]

Services not listed are excluded and require a separate agreement.

3. Flat Fee Amount and Payment Schedule

• Total flat fee: $[AMOUNT].
• Payment terms:
• $[DEPOSIT] due upon signing.
• $[BALANCE] due upon [MILESTONE].

Flat fee is: ☐ earned upon receipt ☐ deposited into trust and earned as milestones are completed.

4. Costs and Expenses

Client is responsible for third-party costs such as filing fees, transcripts, experts, investigators, and travel. Costs are payable in advance or reimbursed within [NUMBER] days of invoice.

5. No Trial or Appeal Included

This agreement does not include trial, appeal, or post-conviction proceedings unless specifically added by written amendment.

6. Client Responsibilities

Client agrees to provide complete and accurate information, attend all court dates, and avoid discussing the Matter with anyone other than the Firm.

7. Termination

Client may terminate at any time. The Firm will refund any unearned portion of the flat fee, if applicable, minus the reasonable value of work performed and costs incurred, consistent with state rules.

8. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

Fee disputes will be submitted to any required bar fee dispute program prior to litigation. This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE], venue in [COUNTY], [STATE].

9. Signatures