A retainer fee is a type of payment for attorneys that is common in criminal defense cases. It is an upfront fee charged based on the amount of time that an attorney expects the case to take. When a client pays a retainer fee, they are establishing a professional relationship with the attorney and ensuring that an attorney is available for a set period of time in the future. This is common in criminal law cases because it ensures that the attorney can be there when the client needs them. Retainer fees can vary based on the other fees that an attorney charges, their experience level, and how complicated your case is anticipated to be.