CRIMINAL CASES AND DUI
I, Aaron O'Brien, always strive to strike a reasonable and fair fee agreement given all the known facts and circumstances. This is why I do not have "standard" or set prices. Each case and each client is unique and, I believe, should be treated as such.
I firmly believe you should not select a lawyer based on price. Nevertheless, I, too, am price conscious and believe that price should be a factor even for something as important as heart surgery or criminal defense where life and liberty are at stake.
So, if you want a range of what the fee might be, feel free to call my office and we will be happy to tell you. But to be as fair as I can, I will need to review your case and speak with you about what your particular needs are, what the evidence consists of, where the witnesses are located, the complexity of the legal issues, and many other factors.
I have represented very rich and very poor people. I promise to do my best not to let money get in between a fruitful attorney-client relationship. Payment plans are available and for your convenience, we accept online payments via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal.
FAMILY LAW
Typically in family law cases we ask for a retainer and bill hourly because we cannot fully control how much or little litigation will occur. The retainer is placed into our trust account and held on your behalf. We then will send you a monthly invoice detailing the time spent and costs expended and show you the itemization.
Any unused portion of the retainer will be returned to you. Our fees are competitive with that of the local market.
Sometimes we will agree to a fixed or flat fee arrangement if the issues are known and limited. For instance, in a dissolution of marriage case (divorce) where you and your spouse have largely agreed upon the distribution of property and matters of custody and support are not going to be contested. Please be aware that the flat fee does not include the circuit court filing fee which is currently $408.00 (which always goes up and never goes down).
Where appropriate, we will request the judge to order your spouse to pay all or a part of the fees and costs in your case.
PERSONAL INJURY & WRONGFUL DEATH
We utilize the standard Florida Bar contingent fee contract when we represent the injured or the estate in a wrongful death case.
We do not get paid a penny unless we recover for you.
In the past we have reduced the fee we were entitled to in an effort to reduce the hospital and medical liens so our clients can keep more of the settlement proceeds in his or her pocket.
OTHER AREAS OF LAW
Our fees in other areas of law literally run the gamut. Please do not hesitate to contact us and discuss your situation. Aaron O’Brien and Christy O’Brien have taken cases on a pro bono basis from time to time and continue to do so.