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The Attorney is
retained to represent Client in connection with the
referenced documented criminal matter. The scope of
representation includes entering an appearance on Client’s
behalf, reviewing and procuring discovery, conducting legal
analysis and strategy development, engaging in negotiations
with the prosecutor, appearing at scheduled court
proceedings, preparing, filing, and arguing appropriate
pre-trial motions, and preparing the matter for potential
trial or disposition. Unless specifically agreed to in
writing, this Agreement does not include appeals,
post-conviction relief (PCR), expungements, civil matters,
immigration consequences or proceedings, administrative or
collateral proceedings, or any matter outside the
above-listed case. Any additional representation must be the
subject of a separate written agreement.
Client acknowledges that
legal strategy, the timing of filings, and tactical
decisions are matters of professional judgment reserved
exclusively to the Attorney. Client further understands that
disagreement with strategy does not constitute misconduct,
ineffective assistance, or grounds for a refund, and that
the Attorney may determine that delaying or refraining from
filing a motion is strategically appropriate.
Client understands and agrees
that no promises or guarantees have been made regarding the
outcome of the case. All legal matters involve risk, and any
discussions regarding potential outcomes are estimates only
and not assurances.
The
legal fee for representation is a flat fee of Sixteen
Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($16,300.00). An initial
payment of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) is due
upon retention, plus an additional payment of Four
Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($4,400.00) to be paid
within one (1) year of retention. The remaining balance of Six
Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($6,900.00) shall be paid
pursuant to a payment plan consisting of twenty (20)
monthly payments of Three Hundred Forty-Five Dollars
($345.00) per month, until the balance is paid in full.
Client understands that
the payment plan is a minimum obligation and does not
relieve Client of responsibility for the full balance owed.
Failure to make timely payments may result in collection
efforts and/or withdrawal of representation, consistent with
the Rules of Professional Conduct. The flat fee is earned
through the Attorney’s availability, preparation, legal
analysis, and work performed throughout the representation.
This Agreement may be
terminated by Client at any time, in writing, or by
Attorney, consistent with the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Upon termination, the Attorney will take reasonable steps to
protect Client’s interests, including providing notice to
the court and transferring the file as appropriate.
If Client requests a refund
or terminates representation before completion of the
matter, Client agrees that the Attorney is entitled to bill
against the retainer for all work performed up to the date
of termination. Work performed includes, but is not limited
to, consultations and meetings, court appearances, discovery
review, legal research, motion preparation or drafting,
negotiations, case strategy development, and communications
on Client’s behalf. Any refund shall be limited to the
unearned portion of the retainer after deduction for time
and work performed, calculated at a reasonable hourly rate
consistent with prevailing legal standards. Client
acknowledges that time spent preparing, analyzing,
strategizing, and being available constitutes compensable
legal work.
Client agrees to be truthful
and cooperative, provide complete and accurate information,
maintain communication with the Attorney, and appear at all
required court proceedings. Client understands that failure
to cooperate may adversely impact the Attorney’s ability
to provide effective representation.
Client acknowledges that the
Attorney will provide updates as reasonably necessary and
understands that court schedules, prosecutor availability,
and judicial calendars may cause delays. A lack of immediate
activity does not indicate a lack of work or neglect.
Upon termination of
representation and satisfaction of any outstanding balance,
Client is entitled to the file consistent with applicable
ethical rules, and the Attorney may retain copies as
permitted by law.
This
Agreement represents the entire understanding between the
parties. No oral promises or representations outside this
Agreement are binding unless reduced to writing and digitally signed. Client further acknowledges and
agrees that submission of this Agreement electronically,
including clicking “Submit,” “I Agree,” or similar
acknowledgment, constitutes the Client’s electronic
signature and acceptance of all terms herein, and that this
submission creates a binding and enforceable legal agreement
to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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