Legal Client Agreement Expungement

Legal Client Agreement Expungement

This Legal Client Agreement Expungement (Agreement) is entered into on Date: between Client Name: and Attorney or Law Firm Name: (collectively, the Parties).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client seeks legal representation to pursue the expungement or sealing of criminal records arising from an arrest, charge, conviction, or adjudication in Jurisdiction: and Court: , Case Number: .

WHEREAS, Attorney is duly licensed and experienced to represent clients in post-conviction remedies, record sealing, and expungement proceedings and agrees to provide such services pursuant to the terms set forth in this Agreement.

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to set forth their respective rights and obligations with respect to the representation and any associated fees, costs, and authorizations.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENT

1.1 Engagement. Client retains Attorney to perform legal services in connection with pursuing the relief indicated below. Attorney will provide legal advice, prepare and file petitions or motions, obtain and review records, and represent Client at administrative and court proceedings reasonably necessary to pursue expungement or sealing of records.

1.2 Type of Relief Sought (select one or more):
Expungement Sealing Other:

1.3 Exclusions. This Agreement does not include appeals, post-conviction relief beyond expungement/sealing, or criminal defense at trial unless specifically agreed in writing. Attorney will notify Client if additional services are necessary and will obtain written authorization for such services.

2. ATTORNEY DUTIES

2.1 Representation. Attorney agrees to exercise reasonable skill and diligence in representing Client, to keep Client reasonably informed of the status of the matter, and to respond to Client inquiries in a timely manner.

2.2 Authority. Client authorizes Attorney to take all actions reasonably necessary to pursue the expungement or sealing petition, including executing and filing documents on Client’s behalf, requesting records, and negotiating with prosecuting authorities.

3. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Cooperation. Client must provide truthful, complete information and all documents reasonably requested by Attorney, including certified records, disposition documents, identification, and any authorizations required to obtain records. Failure to cooperate may be grounds for termination.

3.2 Releases and Consents. Client shall sign necessary releases and authorizations to permit Attorney to obtain court, law enforcement, and other records. Authorization to obtain such records is granted in Section 8 below.

4. FEES, RETAINER, AND COSTS

4.1 Fee Arrangement. The Parties agree the fee for the services described in Section 1 shall be:

Flat Fee: $ Hourly Rate: $ per hour

4.2 Costs and Expenses. Client shall pay or reimburse costs incurred in the representation, including but not limited to filing fees, process service, certified records, transcript fees, postage, investigative services, and copying. Attorney may advance such costs, which will be billed to Client.

4.3 Billing and Payment. Attorney will render periodic invoices. Client shall pay invoices within Payment Terms (days): days of invoice. Unpaid balances may accrue interest at a rate authorized by law.

5. TRUST ACCOUNT AND APPLICATION OF FUNDS

5.1 Retainer. Any retainer received will be held in Attorney’s trust account and applied to fees and costs as billed. Upon final accounting, any unused retainer balance will be returned to Client.

6. TERMINATION

6.1 Termination by Client. Client may terminate this Agreement at any time by written notice. Client remains responsible for fees and costs incurred prior to termination and for reasonable wind-down costs.

6.2 Termination by Attorney. Attorney may withdraw for good cause, including nonpayment, conflict of interest, or Client’s failure to cooperate, subject to applicable rules of professional conduct and court approval where required.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

7.1 Attorney-Client Privilege. Communications between Client and Attorney are subject to the attorney-client privilege and work product protection to the extent recognized by law. Client authorizes Attorney to maintain files in electronic form.

8. AUTHORIZATION TO OBTAIN RECORDS

Client hereby authorizes Attorney to obtain criminal history records, court files, police reports, and other records necessary to evaluate and pursue relief. Client provides the following identifying information to assist in record retrieval:

9. NO GUARANTEE OF RESULT

Client acknowledges that Attorney has made no promises or guarantees regarding the outcome of any petition or motion, and any statement about likely outcomes is not a promise. Eligibility for expungement or sealing is governed by statute and judicial discretion.

10. NOTICES

All notices required or permitted under this Agreement must be in writing and delivered to the addresses below by hand, certified mail, or overnight courier.

11. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

The Parties agree that any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be resolved by litigation in the courts of State: , County: , unless the Parties mutually agree in writing to mediation or arbitration. Attorney may pursue collection of unpaid fees in any forum of competent jurisdiction.

12. MISCELLANEOUS

12.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State specified above.

12.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.

12.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12.4 Amendments and Waiver. Any amendment or waiver of any provision must be in writing and signed by both Parties. A failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

12.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

13. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Client acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement and acknowledges the opportunity to ask questions and seek independent advice prior to signing.

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