FAQ's

What will your services cost me?

Fees in criminal cases are based on a “retainer” agreement or, as it is more commonly known, a flat fee basis. Because my primary concern is a positive outcome that protects my clients’ rights, I use a contract (Retainer Agreement) that spells out in plain English exactly what is covered by my fee in every case. Any expenses that the client is responsible for are spelled out in the Retainer Agreement. Additional fees, calculated on a per day basis, apply if the case ultimately goes to trial; however, it is always the client’s decision whether the case goes to trial or is settled.

The fee I charge is reasonable and decided on a case-by-case basis. I evaluate the seriousness of the charges, the complexity of the case along with the client’s prior criminal history and then estimate the amount of time it will take to zealously defend the client. The result of this evaluation is the basis for my fee. Because the circumstances of each case are different it is impossible to provide you with a chart of preset fees. Some cases require retention of expert witnesses. These experts require their own retainers before they will perform any investigation or analysis. The client is responsible for approving the hiring of experts and paying their fee.

Oftentimes relatives or friends want to pay the retainer. There is nothing wrong with this; however, I represent my client (the person in trouble) not the person who paid my fee. Employers should understand that this applies to their employees as well – I represent the employee, not the company even if the company is paying my fee. This should be understood because different persons and entities may have different views of what should happen in the case. Ultimately, my responsibility is to my client.

Simply put, in Ohio a felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor and generally results in greater fines and jail time. In Ohio, the differences between a felony and misdemeanor sentence are as follows: The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor (first degree) is six months imprisonment and a fine of $1000.00; the maximum penalty for a felony (first degree) is ten years imprisonment and fine of $20,000.00.

Whether a jury trial, the negotiation of a favorable plea agreement, or a simple speeding ticket, my clients know that they have a dedicated attorney representing their interests and one that will fight to the finish for them. I am committed to the belief that a person accused of a criminal offense deserves to be represented by an experienced and scholarly lawyer who will provide a vigorous defense at a reasonable fee.

Posting a bond is designed to guarantee your appearance for any and all future court dates in your case. Generally speaking there are three types of bond: Personal, which requires no payment; Cash, which requires the person charged to place a certain sum “on deposit” with the court which will be returned, minus certain fees, expenses and fines (if found guilty) at the completion of the case; and Surety, where the person charged pays a bondsman ten percent of the total amount of the bond. The bondsman keeps this money and does not return it at the completion of the case.

The information provided in this website is offered for informational purposes only; it does not constitute legal advice. Do not send confidential or privileged information to the address on this website. NO ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP IS OR CAN BE ESTABLISHED BY THE USE OF THIS SITE ALONE - Each situation is unique and only an attorney retained by a client on a specific matter can be aware of the totality of facts and circumstances necessary to provide comprehensive and thorough legal advice. SOME CLAIMS CAN BE LOST IF NOT ACTED UPON TIMELY. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided herein no warranty is made as to this information and it should not be relied upon as a substitute to the advice of a licensed attorney. Portions of this website may be considered advertising under the Rules of Professional Conduct and the law firm has attempted to comply with all legal and ethical requirements by affirmatively disclosing "THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT."

Mark D. Merims, Esq.

FAQ's