In short, retainers for criminal defense lawyers in Denver typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the seriousness of the charges.
At The Moloney Law Firm, we don’t use traditional retainers in most cases. Instead, we offer flat fees starting at $7,500 so you know exactly what you’re paying from day one. No billable hours. No refill requests. Just one clear fee.
What Is a Retainer and How Does It Work?
A retainer is a lump-sum payment made upfront. The attorney then bills against it at an hourly rate. When the retainer is used up, the client may be asked to replenish it.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Misdemeanors may require retainers as low as $3,000–$5,000 at some firms
- Felonies often require retainers of $7,500–$15,000 or more
Misdemeanors like traffic offenses almost always carry flat fees under $7,500, and sometimes significantly less. Felony cases—such as drug or violent offenses—require more time and resources, which drives up retainer requirements.
Why Flat Fees Usually Make More Sense than Hourly Retainers
Advantages to a flat fee model:
- Simpler: You know exactly what you’ll pay
- Fairer: You’re not billed extra for every phone call, email, or court filing
- Stress-free: No surprise billing or costs
Our flat fee covers:
- Reviewing discovery and police reports
- Research and legal analysis
- All pretrial court appearances
- Strategy development and negotiation
In some cases, an additional flat fee covering motions hearings and/or trials is necessary. Approximately 98% of filings in Colorado resolve without motions or trial. Therefore, The Moloney Law Firm does not generally charge flat fees for motions or trial up front.
Are Retainers (Hourly or Flat Fee) Ever Refundable?
Any portion of an hourly retainer or flat fee that is unearned by the firm will be refunded.
FAQs
How much is a typical retainer in Denver for a felony case? It depends on many factors, including case complexity. Many reputable firms require $7,500 to $15,000 up front for most felony cases. However, depending on many factors, retainers can be well in excess of $100,000.
Do I have to go to court if I hire a lawyer? Not always. Depending on the court and type of case, many court appearances can be done virtually with permission of the court.
Does The Moloney Law Firm use retainers? Yes. We offer a flat fee structure on most cases so clients avoid unpredictable costs. Portions of the retainer are earned by the firm once clearly-defined milestones are achieved.
Can I get my retainer back if I don’t use all of it? Any portion of any retainer (hourly or flat fee) that are unearned are refunded to the client. For example, if our work is completed on an hourly agreement in less time than the retainer contemplated, the remaining portion of the retainer is returned to the client.
Which is better: hourly or flat fee? One is not always better than the other. It depends on the case and the client’s priorities. The biggest advantages to a flat fee retainer agreement are:
(1) No hidden or unanticipated legal billing. If the case involves an unexpected amount of discovery, hourly billing can get quite expensive. Flat fees allow clients to have the peace of mind regarding exactly how much it will cost.
(2) Access to your attorney without worrying about being charged for every communication. The Moloney Law Firm provides ready access and an open line of communication between clients and attorneys. A flat fee structure allows clients to take advantage of that access without an added expense. Thus, clients need not worry about how much each correspondence will cost – because it is included.
Byline: Written by The Moloney Law Firm Editorial Team
Last updated: November 13, 2025
TIME MATTERS IN ANY CRIMINAL CASE — ACT NOW!
Call The Moloney Law Firm at (720) 547-2379 today to schedule your free consultation.
Legal Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact a licensed Colorado criminal defense attorney like The Moloney Law Firm for specific legal guidance.
