Michigan Criminal Defense Attorneys
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Legal Fee Policy

Attorney Fees


At Czarnecki & Taylor, we believe in complete transparency regarding legal fees. Our office uses a flat fee basis for criminal legal representation. The attorney, Michigan rules of ethics dictate how attorneys can charge legal fees in certain circumstances. There are three ways that attorneys are authorized to charge for their services:

  • Contingency Fee - A contingency fee means a sum of money that a lawyer receives as a fee only if the case is won. These fees often apply to personal injury cases, malpractice cases, or civil lawsuits. Criminal cases do not, under ethical rules, use contingency fees. Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.5(d)(2)

  • Hourly Rate: This usually applies to civil cases. Typically, in an hourly rate fee agreement, the client is charged for everything an attorney or the staff does on the client’s case.

  • Flat Rate: Refers to a pricing method that charges a single fixed fee for legal services. Almost all criminal defense attorneys operate on a flat fee basis. At Czarnecki & Taylor, we charge flat fees based on the different phases of a criminal case. Almost all clients prefer a flat fee because they know, upfront, what the costs will be. By charging flat fees in a contract that explains all of the work necessary to represent you, you will know exactly and precisely what it will cost you in legal fees to hire Czarnecki & Taylor. Unlike an hourly rate fee basis, there will be no surprises.

When we meet with you during the initial free consultation, we’ll be able to quote you a reasonable flat fee rate based on the specific circumstances of your case. We will be able to determine what services your case will require. Everything will be explained to you during the consultation.

Each case is different, and we quote fees based on the client’s specific case, factual circumstances, and possible defenses. There is no one size fits all legal defense. Each case is different and may require an entirely different defense. We believe it is in the client’s best interest to personally discuss the case and explain upfront what type of defense your case will need.

Free consultations.

Based on over 25 years of combined experience, we can provide you with detailed information. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is important to seek the advice and guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At our Czarnecki & Taylor, we offer free consultations to individuals who are facing criminal charges in order to help them better understand their rights and options moving forward. During your consultation, we will take the time to thoroughly review the details of your case and provide you with knowledgeable legal advice tailored specifically to your situation. Whether you are facing charges for a minor offense or a serious felony, we can provide valuable information about what to expect throughout the process, as well as strategies for building a strong defense.

Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients, whether that means negotiating a plea deal or fighting for an acquittal at trial. We know what it takes to build a strong defense against even the most serious criminal charges, and we have extensive experience representing clients in courts throughout the state. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important that you take steps to protect yourself by working with an experienced lawyer who understands the law and has a track record of success in handling similar cases. With the right support and guidance, you can navigate the criminal justice system with confidence and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation. So if you are in need of legal assistance, don't hesitate to reach out for a free consultation today.

Czarnecki & Taylor strictly follows the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct in setting fees.

The Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct explain how fees are to be set by lawyers. The rules of conduct say that an attorney must be “competent” and that the fee for legal services must be “reasonable.” In determining whether a lawyer can provide competent representation in a particular matter, relevant factors include the relative complexity and specialized nature of the case, the lawyer's general experience, the lawyer's training and experience in the field in question, the preparation, time commitment, and study the lawyer can give the matter. Competent handling of a particular case includes inquiry into and analysis of the factual and legal elements of the problem and the use of methods and procedures meeting the standards of competent practitioners. It also includes adequate preparation. The required attention and preparation are determined partly by what is at stake; major litigation and complex transactions ordinarily require more elaborate treatment than matters of lesser consequence.