Services & Fees
Flat-Fee Schedule
Clear pricing for record-clearing, post-conviction, and criminal defense matters. Fees are based on charge level, enhancement status, and the scope of representation described below.
Important Pricing & Scope Overview (Read First)
This page contains two different types of services:
- Criminal Defense — pricing based on the highest charge level filed, including any alleged enhancements
- Record-Clearing & Post-Conviction — flat fees based on the type and number of filings required
If you are reviewing criminal defense fees, focus on the Misdemeanor or Felony sections below. If you are seeking record-clearing services, see Record-Clearing & Post-Conviction.
How Criminal Defense Pricing Works
- Fees are based on the highest charge level in the case
- Enhancement paragraphs move pricing up one level per enhancement
- Unless otherwise stated in writing, representation covers the matter through resolution, including trial if necessary
- Acceptance of any matter is subject to the firm’s current caseload capacity and the scope of work required, as confirmed in the Engagement Agreement
What Flat Fees Do Not Include
Flat fees do not include court costs, fines, restitution, expert witnesses, investigators, filing fees, or other third-party expenses. Those costs, if needed, are separate.
Payment Terms
Payment terms and any installment arrangements are set forth in the firm’s Engagement Agreement. Flat fees are earned upon filing an appearance with the court.
1) Record-Clearing & Post-Conviction
| Service | Description | Flat Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Expunction (Single Arrest) | Remove one eligible arrest from record. | $1,250 |
| Expunction (Multiple Arrests / Counties) | Consolidated filing for multiple arrests or venues. | $1,750 – $2,500 |
| Order of Nondisclosure (Single Case) | Seal record after deferred adjudication or qualifying offense. | $1,100 |
| Complex Nondisclosure / Multiple Cases | Multiple filings or complex history. | $1,750 – $2,500 |
| Early Probation Termination (EPT) | Preparation, filing, and one court appearance if required. | $1,750 – $2,500 |
2) Criminal Defense — Misdemeanors
Class C (Add-On Only)
| Case Type | Scope | Flat Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class C Misdemeanors | Accepted only with a retained higher-level case. | $250 – $450 per citation |
Class B Misdemeanors
| Case Type | Scope | Flat Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Class B Misdemeanor | Pretrial representation through resolution. | $2,750 – $3,500 |
Class A Misdemeanors
| Case Type | Scope | Flat Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Misdemeanor | Increased exposure; expanded motion practice. | $3,500 – $4,500 |
Non-Felony DWI
| Case Type | Scope | Flat Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard DWI (Non-Felony) | Includes ALR hearing and full representation through resolution. | $4,500 – $5,500 |
Probation Violations
| Case Type | Scope | Flat Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Probation Violation | Representation through hearing or negotiated resolution. | $2,500 – $3,250 |
| Felony Probation Violation (MTR / MTAG) | Felony exposure; potential revocation or adjudication. | $3,500 – $5,000+ |
3) Criminal Defense — Felonies (Non-Capital)
State Jail Felonies
| Case Type | Scope | Flat Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| State Jail Felony | Representation through resolution. | $5,000 – $6,500 |
Third-Degree Felonies
| Case Type | Scope | Flat Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Degree Felony | Representation through resolution. | $6,000 – $7,500 |
Second-Degree Felonies
| Case Type | Scope | Flat Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Felony | Higher exposure; extensive pretrial litigation. | $8,500 – $10,500+ |
First-Degree Felonies (Non-Capital)
| Case Type | Scope | Flat Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| First-Degree Felony (Non-Capital) | Serious felony defense through resolution. | $10,500 – $15,000+ |
Capital / Death-Penalty Offenses
Policy: Not accepted; referred to qualified counsel.
4) Enhancements and Charge-Level Increases
Enhancement paragraphs increase both punishment exposure and required legal work.
One enhancement: billed one level up
Two enhancements: billed two levels up
Pricing is based on the filed charging instrument, not arrest paperwork.
5) Multiple Charges & Representation Stages
Multiple Charges
Flat fees are based on the highest charge level filed in a case. When a client faces multiple charges, the fee may increase to reflect the additional work required.
Base Fee: The flat fee for the highest charge level filed.
Additional Charges (same incident / closely related matters):
- +25% of the Base Fee for each additional charge of the same level
- +15% of the Base Fee for each additional charge that is one level lower
Cap: Total flat fee is generally capped at 150% of the Base Fee absent extraordinary circumstances.
Separate incidents / cause numbers: Charges arising from separate incidents or separate cause numbers may be treated as separate matters, with any related-case pricing confirmed in writing.
Note: Enhancements are applied first (i.e., the Base Fee is determined after considering any alleged enhancement paragraphs).
Stages of Representation
Flat-fee representation generally includes all stages reasonably necessary to resolve the case, which may include:
- initial case review, investigation, and filing of an appearance
- discovery review and motion practice
- negotiations toward dismissal or plea resolution
- trial preparation and trial, if necessary
In rare circumstances involving material changes to the scope of the case (such as additional unrelated charges or extraordinary trial demands), any adjustment to the flat fee will be addressed by written agreement.
6) Scope of Representation & Case Expenses
Flat fees cover representation through case resolution, including investigation, motion practice, negotiations, and trial if necessary, unless otherwise stated in writing.
Flat fees do not include third-party costs or court-imposed amounts, which may include filing fees, expert witnesses, investigators, transcripts, travel expenses, fines, fees, restitution, or assessments. Required expenses will be discussed in advance when possible.
7) Payment Policy
Payment Terms: Flat fees and payment schedules are set forth in the firm’s Engagement Agreement and may include installment arrangements, depending on the case and client circumstances.
Initial Payment: An initial payment is required before the firm files an appearance with the court.
Work Begins: The firm does not begin substantive work, schedule settings, or appear in court until the required initial payment is received, except as required by court order or ethical obligation.
When the Fee Is Earned: All flat fees are governed by the Engagement Agreement and are earned in their entirety upon the filing of an appearance with the court. Filing an appearance obligates the firm to the court, restricts withdrawal without permission, and requires commitment of time and resources that cannot be undone.
Case Expenses: Flat fees do not include third-party costs or court-imposed amounts, including filing fees, expert witnesses, investigators, transcripts, travel expenses, fines, fees, restitution, or assessments.
Non-Payment: Failure to comply with agreed payment terms may result in the firm seeking court permission to withdraw, as allowed under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Legal Disclaimer
© 2025 The Law Office of John L. Hickman, PLLC