Consultation Policy

We’re happy to consult with you on any legal matter within our areas of practice. However, we do not offer free consultations. Our consultation fee is $150, which helps ensure that appointments are reserved for serious inquiries and discourages no-shows.

Consultation Options (2026)

In-office consultation: $150 for up to 1 hour
Virtual consultation: $150 for up to 1 hour

At Arnold A. Arpino & Associates, P.C., we believe transparency builds trust. That’s why we publish our current rates below, so you know exactly what to expect before hiring our firm.

Criminal Defense Representation at Arpino Law

When your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake, you do not hire a lawyer based on the lowest number you can find.

You hire a firm that approaches your case strategically, deliberately, and prepared for litigation.

At Arpino Law, we structure our criminal defense representation to reflect the reality of how serious cases are handled — with clear phases, defined scope, and the ability to escalate when necessary.

A Strategic, Phased Approach to Criminal Defense

Criminal cases do not move in a straight line. They evolve.

Some resolve early through negotiation. Others require evidentiary hearings. A smaller percentage proceed to trial.

We do not treat every case as if it will go to trial — but we prepare every case as if it might.

For that reason, our fee structure is divided into litigation phases.

Phase One: Strategic Defense & Resolution

This initial phase typically includes:

Arraignment representation
Full discovery review and analysis
Case investigation and legal research
Strategic motion practice
Negotiations with the prosecution
Court appearances through negotiated resolution

Most criminal matters resolve during this phase.

We quote a flat fee for Phase One after carefully evaluating the charges, exposure, and complexity of the case.

This ensures clarity and predictability at the outset.

Phase Two: Evidentiary Litigation

If the court orders suppression hearings or the case requires contested evidentiary proceedings, representation moves into a litigation phase.

This may include:

Mapp hearings (search and seizure challenges)
Huntley hearings (statement suppression)
Dunaway hearings
DWI refusal hearings
Other contested evidentiary proceedings

Litigation at this level requires substantial preparation, motion drafting, witness examination, and courtroom advocacy.

Because of the time and strategic intensity involved, this phase is separately structured.

Not every case requires this level of litigation. When it does, we are prepared.

Phase Three: Trial Representation

Trial is a distinct engagement.

Preparing a case for trial involves:

Intensive factual development
Witness preparation and cross-examination strategy
Jury selection preparation
Courtroom presentation and argument
Multi-day courtroom commitment

We discuss and structure trial representation separately when necessary.

This ensures clients are not paying trial-level fees for cases that resolve earlier — while preserving the ability to commit the necessary resources if trial becomes required.

Why We Structure Fees This Way

Serious criminal defense work requires:

Focus
Preparation
Discipline
Time

Our phased model ensures that:

Clients understand exactly what stage their case is in
Representation scales appropriately with complexity
Resources are allocated strategically
There are no hidden or surprise hourly invoices

We do not bill unpredictably. We structure representation intentionally.

What Determines the Fee for a Criminal Case?

Fees are based on objective factors, including:

The level of charge (violation, misdemeanor, felony)
Potential sentencing exposure
Volume and complexity of discovery (including body-worn camera footage)
Number of witnesses
Forensic or technical evidence
Prior criminal history
Immigration or professional licensing implications
Likelihood of evidentiary litigation

After consultation, we provide a clear written agreement outlining the scope of representation and the applicable phase.

Our Philosophy

We do not compete on price.

We compete on preparation, strategy, and results.

Criminal defense is not a commodity. It is a serious legal undertaking that requires disciplined advocacy and the willingness to litigate when necessary.

If you are seeking representation that is strategic, structured, and trial-ready, we invite you to contact our office.

Built on Trial Experience

We intentionally hire former public defenders.

Public defenders are in court daily. They litigate suppression hearings. They try cases. They cross-examine police officers. They make constitutional arguments under pressure.

That level of experience shapes better private defense lawyers.

Our clients benefit from attorneys who have handled the full spectrum of criminal charges — from misdemeanors to serious felonies — and who are comfortable litigating when necessary.

We do not build our team around case volume.
We build it around courtroom experience.

Consultation

During your consultation, we will:

Evaluate the charges and potential exposure
Outline a strategic defense approach
Explain how your case would be structured
Provide clear, written fee terms

Early intervention can significantly affect the trajectory of a criminal case.

Alternative Fee Arrangements

While we have moved away from traditional hourly billing for most cases, some matters — such as court-appointed work or specific litigation types — still require hourly billing.

Standard Hourly Rates (2026)

David Arpino, Esq. – $225/hour
Arnold Arpino, Esq. – $400/hour
Samantha Kantor, Esq., – $175/hour
Paralegal and administrative staff – $95/hour

When possible, we work with clients to create alternative fee arrangements that provide greater flexibility and cost certainty. These may include flat fees, capped fees, payment plans, or sliding scale arrangements.

Financing Legal Fees

Arpino Law is proud to offer ClientCredit, powered by Affirm, giving clients a new way to pay for legal services over time — with no hidden fees, no late charges, and no surprises.

Simply select the “Pay Later” option on our payment page to apply through Affirm. You’ll enter basic information and receive a real-time financing decision.

Learn more about ClientCredit and Affirm’s lending partners at affirm.com/lenders.

Note: ClientCredit is an additional payment option — you’re free to use any method you prefer.

Flat Fees

Flat fees allow clients to pay a predetermined amount for a specific legal service. This model works especially well for traffic ticket defense and criminal cases where the scope of work is predictable.

Flat fees provide cost certainty and eliminate surprises — no hourly tracking, no unexpected invoices, and no disputes about time billed.

Capped Fees

Capped fees combine the structure of hourly billing with the predictability of a maximum total cost.

For example, David Arpino’s rate is $225 per hour, but under a capped fee agreement, both parties may agree that the total amount billed will not exceed $10,000 for a particular matter.

This model gives clients peace of mind knowing their total exposure upfront, while still benefiting from hourly billing flexibility.

Payment Plans

We understand that not every client can pay a full fee upfront. That’s why we offer payment plans for most types of legal matters.

For instance, if we agree on a flat fee of $5,000, we can structure an installment plan to make payments manageable. This approach allows clients to secure representation while balancing their financial circumstances — a win-win for both client and firm.

Sliding Scale Fees

We recognize the access-to-justice gap that affordability creates. Our sliding scale fee program allows qualifying clients to pay reduced rates based on their household income, family size, and available resources.

For example, while David Arpino’s standard hourly rate is $225, a client demonstrating financial hardship may qualify for a reduced rate — such as $100 per hour — ensuring that quality legal representation remains accessible.