Payment Plans and Financing

Being Accused is Traumatic. We Understand.

We Get You Safely Through the Storm.

No one plans for needing to hire a criminal defense lawyer. A charge usually arrives without warning, and so does the bill for defending it. If you're worried about how to pay, you're not alone, and you shouldn't let that worry keep you from calling.

Calm seas after the storm of a criminal charge.

How Our Fees Work

We charge flat fees. That means one agreed price for our work on your case, set in writing before any work begins, instead of an hourly bill that grows while you wait.

We set the fee after we've listened to you and learned about your case. It depends on things like the charges, the court, and how much work we expect the case to need. Your written fee agreement explains exactly what the fee covers and what it doesn't.

Other costs some cases involve

Some cases need help from outside specialists, such as a private investigator, an accident reconstructionist, a forensic or medical expert, or another professional whose work can make a real difference. Those specialists' fees are not part of our attorney fee. They are separate, additional costs.

Not every case needs them. When a case does, we'll explain why, what it's likely to cost, and how it would help, and we'll talk it through with you before anyone is hired.

Three Ways to Pay

1. Pay in full

You can pay the full fee at the start by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer (ACH).

2. Monthly payments through Pay Later financing

Pay Later lets you spread the cost of your defense over monthly payments.

Affirm, not our firm, is the lender. Affirm reviews your application, decides whether to approve it, and sets your rate and terms.

You'll see the terms before you agree to anything. Affirm shows you the monthly payment, the length of the loan, and the interest rate before you accept.

Affirm handles the payments. Your monthly payments go to Affirm. We are paid in full at the start, so your defense isn't tied to your payment schedule.

We don't post an application link on this page. Pay Later comes after we've talked. Once we've discussed your case and agreed on a fee, we'll send you a secure link to apply.

3. A payment arrangement directly with our firm

In some cases, we make payment arrangements directly with clients. These require a payment up front, with the rest paid on a set schedule. Whether this option fits depends on your situation, and we'll talk about it honestly during your consultation.

What to Expect, Step by Step

1. Call us, any time. Someone answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2. Free consultation. If you have a pending charge, the consultation is free. We'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and learn about your case.

3. We quote your fee. You'll get one flat fee and a clear explanation of what it covers, plus any outside costs we expect your case might need.

4. We talk through how to pay. Paying in full, Pay Later, or, where it fits, a payment arrangement with us.

5. You sign a written fee agreement. It sets out the fee, the payment terms, and the scope of our work.

6. We get to work.

Court Dates Won't Wait

Court dates won't wait while you sort out your payment or financing. An arraignment, a bail decision, or a scheduled hearing will go forward as planned.

If you've been charged, or think you might be, call first. We'll talk about your case and how to pay for it at the same time. Early advice often matters, and waiting until the money is in place can mean losing time you can't get back.

When Family Is Paying

Often it's a parent, spouse, or partner who calls us first, and who helps pay. We welcome that, and we'll walk you through the cost just as carefully.

One thing to know: the person facing the charge is always our client, even when someone else pays. Our duty runs to them, and what they tell us stays between us and them. We'll explain how that works when we talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there costs beyond your fee?

Sometimes. If your case needs an investigator or an expert, their fees are separate from our attorney fee. We'll talk with you about any outside costs before they're taken on.

Do you decide whether I qualify for Pay Later?

No. Affirm reviews your application and makes the decision. We don't approve or deny financing.

Will applying affect my credit?

Checking whether you qualify uses a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. Affirm explains its full terms before you accept a loan.

What interest rate will I get?

Affirm sets the rate based on your application. You'll see it, along with your monthly payment and loan length, before you accept.

Can I pay off the financing early?

Affirm's terms cover early payoff. You'll see them before you agree.

What if I'm not approved?

Let's talk and see if we can find another option, including whether a payment arrangement with our firm might fit your situation.

Does financing make my fee higher?

No. Our fee is the same however you pay. Any interest on a Pay Later loan comes from Affirm's terms, and you'll see it before you accept.

Does being approved for financing mean you've taken my case?

No. We take on a case when we've agreed to represent you and you've signed our fee agreement. Financing approval and our agreement are separate steps.

Can a family member pay for me?

Yes. Many of our clients' families help with the cost. The person charged remains our client.

What happens if my case ends sooner than expected?

Your fee agreement explains how your fee is handled if our representation ends early. We'll go over it with you before you sign.

Is the consultation really free?

Yes, if you have a pending charge. We'll tell you up front if your situation is different.

Let's Talk

Being charged is frightening, and money worries make it harder. You don't have to figure this out alone. Call us any time, day or night, at 978-969-2890. Someone will answer.

“I would absolutely recommend Ernie to anyone.”

He was more than just my lawyer. He was my guardian angel during a very scary and desperate time in my life. He walked with me every step of the way and looked out for my best interest at every twist and turn. He stayed available seven days a week and within moments of my reaching out to him. I knew I was in safe hands even though my matter kept me in constant fear. He gave me the courage to keep pushing forward and spent countless hours cheerleading me through an unspeakable experience.
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Diane

"Attorney Stone was excellent."

He was extremely knowledgeable and knew his way around the Diversion Program and the Court. He gave us all the information and potential results upfront. He explained the entire process to us from start to finish and he mapped out a plan of action that resulted in a favorable outcome for my child. I would recommend Attorney Stone 100 percent. Thanks to him my child has no criminal record.

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Lisa

"I knew Ernie was the real deal."

I knew the moment I spoke to Ernie on the phone he was the real deal. He made us feel at ease during a very stressful time and fought for us. We won our case because of his perseverance and professionalism. He’s just a really good person who’s in your corner fighting for you. Thanks Ernie you’re the best!!!!
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Cheryl

"I can't say enough about Ernie and his team. "

They helped our family navigate a very delicate and complicated legal situation. We couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. And Ernie's down-to-earth demeanor helped us feel like we were being listened to and never being talked down to. I would highly recommend Ernie, as I am certain he would do his absolute best to achieve a best-case-scenario outcome for every single one of his clients.
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R. H.

"Much love and appreciation to this group"

I would recommend them to anyone. From the first call I knew this was the right choice. Ernie kept my best interests in mind when representing me with results better than expected! I can’t thank them enough. Special shout-out to Joanne who is truly the nicest person. Their whole vibe was homely like family. Much love and appreciation to this group... even the 4 legged nugget running around their office.
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A. R.

"I was in good hands..."

Before working with Ernie I was very unaware of how my future would be and felt alone in my case; that all changed once I had Ernie Stone as my lawyer. Very professional, very reassuring, very caring and helpful with any questions you may have. I can definitely say that there was always a smile on their faces and made me feel welcomed and well taken care of. I had no doubt in mind that I was in good hands and that I was going to be alright.
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R. J.