Fee Agreement – Hourly (Criminal Defense)

1. Parties and Matter

• Law Firm: [FIRM NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Client: [CLIENT NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Matter: Defense of criminal charges in [COURT NAME], case number [CASE NUMBER].

2. Scope of Representation

The Firm will provide services for:
☐ Bail/bond hearings
☐ Arraignment
☐ Pretrial motions and negotiations
☐ Trial preparation and trial

Services outside this scope require a written amendment.

3. Hourly Rates and Billing Increments

Rates (subject to periodic adjustment with [NUMBER] days' notice):
- Partners: $[RATE]/hour
- Senior Associates: $[RATE]/hour
- Associates: $[RATE]/hour
- Paralegals/Legal Assistants: $[RATE]/hour

Minimum billing increment: [0.1] hour.
Travel time billed at: ☐ full rate ☐ half rate.

4. Retainer Deposit

Client will pay an initial retainer of $[AMOUNT], deposited in the Firm's trust account. The Firm will apply the retainer to fees and costs as billed. Client agrees to replenish the retainer to $[MAINTAINED AMOUNT] within [NUMBER] days of request.

5. Invoicing and Payment Terms

• Invoices issued: [MONTHLY/BIWEEKLY].
• Payment due within [NUMBER] days.
• Past-due balances accrue interest at [RATE]% per month or the maximum lawful rate.

6. Costs and Expenses

Client is responsible for costs such as filing fees, transcripts, experts, investigators, travel, and other necessary expenses. Costs over $[AMOUNT] require prior approval unless needed to protect Client's interests.

7. Client Responsibilities

Client agrees to provide complete and accurate information, appear at all court dates, and refrain from discussing the Matter with anyone other than the Firm.

8. Termination and Withdrawal

Client may terminate at any time. The Firm may withdraw as permitted by applicable rules and court orders. Upon termination, Client is responsible for fees and costs incurred through termination. Any unearned trust funds will be refunded after final accounting.

9. Fee Dispute Resolution

Fee disputes will be submitted to any required bar fee dispute program prior to court action.

10. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE], venue in [COUNTY], [STATE], unless otherwise required by law.

11. Signatures