Legal Felony Retainer Agreement

LEGAL FELONY RETAINER AGREEMENT

This Felony Retainer Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into on by and between Attorney: , of Law Firm: , with business address: ("Attorney"), and Client Name: , Client Address: ("Client"). The parties agree as follows:

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client is charged with the criminal offense(s) described as: , in the matter captioned: , Case Number: .

WHEREAS, Client desires to retain Attorney to provide legal representation in the criminal matter described above and Attorney is willing to provide such representation under the terms set forth in this Agreement.

WHEREAS, the parties wish to memorialize the scope of representation, fee arrangements, and respective duties and obligations.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual covenants herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION

1.1 Attorney will provide criminal defense representation to Client with respect to the felony matter identified above, including pretrial investigation, negotiation with prosecutors, attendance at hearings, trial preparation and trial, and first-level appeals as specifically agreed in writing. The specific scope is:

1.2 Services not included: Attorney is not obligated to provide post-conviction relief, habeas corpus petitions, or representation in collateral matters unless agreed in a separate writing. Client acknowledges that ancillary civil matters arising from the same events are excluded from this Agreement unless added by amendment.

2. FEES, RETAINER AND BILLING

2.1 Retainer. Client shall pay an initial retainer in the amount of $ to be deposited in Attorney's trust account to secure payment of fees and costs. The retainer shall be applied to fees and costs billed in accordance with Section 2.3.

2.2 Rates. Attorney's hourly rates are as follows: Lead Attorney $ per hour; Associate $ per hour; Paralegal $ per hour. These rates may be adjusted annually with written notice.

2.3 Billing and Application of Retainer. Attorney will bill hourly, in increments of 0.1 hours, for time expended. Statements will be rendered and will describe services rendered and costs incurred. The retainer will be applied against the final invoice; Attorney may require replenishment of the retainer to a specified sum of $ when the balance falls below that level.

2.4 Costs and Expenses. Client is responsible for all out-of-pocket costs and disbursements incurred in the representation, including but not limited to court fees, investigator fees, expert witness fees, transcript costs, travel, lodging and process service. Client authorizes Attorney to advance such costs up to $ without further written approval. Such sums advanced may be charged against the retainer and are reimbursable to Attorney.

2.5 Payment; Default. Invoices are due upon receipt. If Client fails to pay undisputed fees or to replenish the retainer within days of invoice, Attorney may suspend performance until payment is made, subject to applicable rules of professional conduct and court order. Client agrees that Attorney may seek collection of unpaid fees and costs, including reasonable collection expenses and attorney's fees.

3. CONFLICTS, CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVILEGE

3.1 Conflicts. By signing this Agreement, Client represents that Client has disclosed to Attorney all facts relevant to potential conflicts of interest. Attorney certifies that, to the best of Attorney's knowledge, no conflict exists except as disclosed: . If a conflict arises, Attorney will take appropriate steps as required by law, including withdrawal if required.

3.2 Confidentiality and Attorney-Client Privilege. All communications between Client and Attorney concerning legal advice are confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege to the extent recognized by law. Client acknowledges that privilege may be waived by disclosure to third parties or by operation of law.

4. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Client agrees to cooperate fully with Attorney, provide timely and accurate information, appear at scheduled proceedings, and keep Attorney apprised of Client's current contact information. Client shall not communicate directly with persons about substantive aspects of the representation without consulting Attorney where such communication may affect the representation.

5. WITHDRAWAL AND TERMINATION

5.1 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 any fees incurred in reasonable transition of the matter.

5.2 Withdrawal by Attorney. Attorney may withdraw for good cause, including but not limited to nonpayment, conflict of interest, or breakdown in the attorney-client relationship, subject to applicable court approval when required. Upon withdrawal or termination, Attorney will take reasonable steps to protect Client's interests, including delivering files to Client and advising of pending deadlines.

5.3 Final Accounting and Refunds. After final accounting, any unearned retainer funds shall be returned to Client within a reasonable time. If the retainer has been applied to outstanding fees or costs, Client will receive an accounting of the application of funds.

6. RECORDS, FILE RETENTION AND PRIVACY

Client may request copies of the case file. Attorney may retain copies of Client's file subject to professional rules and may destroy files after a reasonable retention period. Client consents to the storage and maintenance of case records in electronic form.

7. NOTICES

Attorney Contact Information

Client Contact Information

Notices shall be effective when delivered in writing to the other party at the addresses set forth above or as later notified in writing.

8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Any dispute regarding fees shall be resolved by binding arbitration or fee dispute resolution procedures where available and as permitted by applicable rules; however, Attorney may seek judicial relief to collect unpaid fees. Client's consent to arbitration for fee disputes is indicated here: (check to consent).

9. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

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

9.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties concerning the retention of Attorney and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof.

9.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

10. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

Any amendment or modification of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. Failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.

11. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Client acknowledges receipt of a fully executed copy of this Agreement and acknowledges that Client has had the opportunity to ask questions, consult independent counsel, and that Client understands this Agreement. Client further acknowledges that Attorney has made no guarantee or promise regarding the outcome of the matter.

Additional terms or special provisions, if any:

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