Legal Fees

Clear, Fair, and Grounded in Respect

Being charged with a crime is overwhelming. At Spinney Law, we believe that uncertainty about legal fees should not add to that stress. We are committed to honest, straightforward conversations about the cost of representation so you can make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.

Attorney fees are discussed during your initial consultation and confirmed in writing before representation begins, in accordance with the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct.

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How Fees Are Determined

Every case is different, and fees are based on the specific circumstances of your matter. Factors that may affect the fee include:

• The nature and seriousness of the charges
• The stakes: the likelihood and length of possible sentences
• The complexity of the legal and factual issues
• The stage of the case
• The time, preparation, and advocacy required
• The experience and judgment necessary to properly defend the case
• The opportunity cost to take other business which pursuing yours

Massachusetts law requires that attorney fees be reasonable and prohibits illegal or clearly excessive fees. Our goal is always to charge a fee that reflects the work required and the responsibility involved in defending your freedom and future.

While each matter will be quoted based on the specific circumstances, please see the table below for a rough, baseline estimate of certain common circumstances. These estimates are provided as a courtesy and in no way amount to an offer or quote for services as these prices.

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Fee Structures

Depending on the type of case, representation may be structured in one of the following ways:

Flat Fees

For many criminal matters—such as district court cases, clerk‑magistrate hearings, or defined stages of a case—we offer flat fees. A flat fee provides predictability and covers the agreed‑upon scope of work, regardless of the number of hours involved.

Hourly Fees

In more complex or unpredictable cases, including those likely to involve extensive litigation or trial, fees may be billed on an hourly basis. Hourly billing allows fees to reflect the actual time devoted to your defense and avoids over‑ or under‑estimating the work required. In this case, we generally ask for a retainer deposit to be paid prior to commencement of legal services.

Phased Representation

In some cases, representation may be divided into stages, such as pre‑trial proceedings and trial. This approach allows clients to reassess as the case evolves and make informed decisions at each stage.

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Retainers and Trust Accounts

When a retainer is required, those funds are deposited into a client trust account and applied only as legal work is performed. Any unused portion of a retainer is handled in accordance with Massachusetts ethical rules and refunded when appropriate.

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Payment Plans

We recognize that legal representation can be a significant financial commitment, particularly during an already difficult time. In appropriate cases, and when consistent with ethical obligations, payment plans may be available. Any payment arrangement is discussed openly, agreed upon in advance, and confirmed in writing so expectations are clear on both sides.

It’s important to remember that we want to devote all our energy into the fight for your liberty. We can’t do that if we have to consistently follow up regarding a payment plan. We want to be your lawyer, not your banker.

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Additional Expenses

Attorney fees do not typically include ancillary, out‑of‑pocket costs such as court filing fees, expert witnesses, investigators, transcripts, or other case‑related expenses. When such costs are anticipated, we make every effort to discuss them in advance. At your first meeting with your lawyer, be sure to inquire if such costs would be advisable to them, better to know what to expect now than to get an unexpected bill down the road.

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Our Commitment

While no attorney can promise a particular outcome, we are committed to providing thoughtful counsel, careful preparation, and principled advocacy. At every stage, our goal is to treat you with dignity, keep you informed, and stand with you as you navigate the legal system. We have the experience to back that up with reasonable legal fees tailored to each of our clients.

While we remain committed to minimizing the potential fees you will face, we will present you always present you our Best Advice with reasonable less expensive alternatives so you can make the best informed decision for you.

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Attorney Fee – Rough Estimates

The table below is provided as a courtesy and is not reflective of the actual fees that you will be charged in your particular case. In order to get a quote, please schedule a case review today. The table only cover a few common scenarios and is not intended to be all-encompassing.

With Spinney Law, all of the following services include at a minimum:

• a comprehensive Case Review meeting with the lawyer (1 hour), where he will gather information from you about the case will lay out a road map;
• a Strategy Planning meeting with the lawyer (1 hour) where he provides his analysis, strategy, and litigation plan based on your goals, and
• access to our Client Portal with some additional online content to help put your at ease and aid you in making informed decisions on your case.