Our Services

Direct. Respectful. Focused on protecting your future.

Facing a criminal charge can feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve never been through the system before. You deserve a lawyer who explains things clearly, treats you with respect, and builds a strategy that fits your life, not just the charge on paper.

Northwatch Legal provides steady, judgment-free representation for misdemeanor and select felony matters, with a focus on LGBTQ+ clients, BIPOC individuals, and anyone navigating a system that often feels stacked against them.

My approach is practical, evidence-focused, and centered on keeping your life stable while we manage your case.

1. Case Evaluation & Strategy Session

$250 flat fee

A structured review that helps you understand the charge, the likely outcomes, and the smartest first steps.

Includes:

• Review of complaint, police reports, and available evidence

• Court and docket check

• Sentencing-risk analysis

• Defenses and mitigation opportunities

• Written recommendations for next steps

Best for:
Clients unsure what their options are or what the case actually means.
(Credited toward the full retainer if you move forward.)

2. Misdemeanor Defense Package

$1,500 – $2,500

For first- and second-level misdemeanors, including assault, theft, OWI-1st, disorderly conduct, possession, and similar cases.

Includes:

• Court appearances (arraignment → pretrial → resolution)

• Evidence review and challenge strategy

• Negotiation with the prosecutor

• Mitigation plan (letters, treatment, employment records)

• Sentencing preparation

• One post-sentencing check-in

Best for:
Clients wanting steady representation from start to finish on a straightforward case.

3. Enhanced Misdemeanor / High-Impact Case Package

$2,200 – $3,500

For cases that involve:

• Domestic violence allegations

• OWI-2nd

• LGBTQ+ identity-based targeting

• Potential immigration impact

• Significant professional or licensing consequences

Includes everything in the standard package plus:

• Extended mitigation development

• Impact statements and character evidence prep

• Additional prosecutor negotiations

• Detailed collateral-consequences counseling

• Two additional post-sentencing follow-ups

Best for:
Clients whose personal, family, or career stability is on the line.

4. Felony Preliminary Examination Representation

$1,800 – $3,000

For clients needing representation only through the preliminary exam.

Includes:

• Arraignment on the complaint

• Evidence review

• Preliminary exam strategy

• Examination or waiver recommendations

• Negotiation for charge reductions

• Transition plan if case is bound over to circuit court

Best for:
Clients who want strong early-stage representation but are not yet ready to commit to full felony litigation.

5. Full Felony Defense (Circuit Court)

Quoted individually
Full felony litigation varies widely in complexity, evidence volume, and risk.
After your evaluation session, you’ll receive a clear quote with one of the following fee structures:

Available models:

• Flat fee per stage (arraignment → pretrial → motions → trial)

• Hybrid (reduced flat fee + hourly for motion practice)

• Standard flat fee

• Trial fee (separate and clearly defined)

This gives you cost transparency and control while keeping expectations realistic.

6. Limited-Scope Criminal Services

Clear, flat-fee options for clients who need targeted support:

• One-time plea-consult or case-impact session: $350

• Record and sentencing-guideline review: $200–$350

• Diversion/deferral plan development: $300–$500

• Mitigation packet preparation: $500–$800

• Representation at one hearing only: $350–$900

What Every Client Receives

• Steady, respectful communication

• Clear explanations of the process and the “why” behind each recommendation

• Confidential, judgment-free support

• Trauma-informed and LGBTQ+-affirming representation

• Realistic expectations based on Michigan practice

• Strong mitigation work to protect your future

Payment Options

• Flat-fee retainer

• 50/50 split payment

• Limited sliding-scale availability for low-income LGBTQ+ clients

• Military/veteran rate reductions

Next Steps

1. Fill out the criminal law intake form linked to the left.

2. Schedule your evaluation session.

3. Review potential options and recommended next steps.

4. Enter into a retainer agreement built around services as discussed.

5. Begin building your defense

You deserve a defense that is structured, honest, and grounded in real-world strategy — not fear or confusion.

Clear. Dignified. Built for the way your family actually works.

At Northwatch Legal, estate planning isn’t just paperwork — it’s protection.
It’s making sure your wishes are honored, your loved ones are secure, and your voice is respected no matter what happens.

I provide judgment-free, LGBTQ+-affirming estate planning designed for real families, including queer couples, polycules, co-parenting structures, and families with blended or chosen relationships. Every plan is tailored to the people who matter most in your life.

Services include:

• Wills and simple trusts

• Durable powers of attorney

• Medical directives and HIPAA releases

• Guardianship planning for children or dependents

• Planning for chosen family and nontraditional households

• Support for small business owners and creatives

• Name and gender-marker alignment across documents

• Peace-of-mind checklists and ongoing updates

My approach is direct, practical, and grounded. I walk you through your options in plain language, help you identify what actually matters, and make sure your plan reflects who you are — not who the law assumes you to be.

Whether you’re building a life with your partner(s), raising kids, navigating sensitive family dynamics, or making sure your chosen family is protected, I’ll help you create a plan that gives you clarity and control.

Your life. Your people. Your plan — protected.

Fees & Pricing

1. Essential Estate Planning Package

$1,500 - $2,500
For individuals or couples who want the core protections in place.

Includes:

• Last Will & Testament

• Durable Financial Power of Attorney

• Healthcare Power of Attorney

• HIPAA Release

• Final wishes document

• Signing ceremony guidance

• One round of revisions

Best for:
Clients who want a foundational plan without complexity.

2. Chosen Family / Nontraditional Household Package

$1,500 - $2,500 + $500 per additional family member (for polyamorous families)
Designed specifically for LGBTQ+, polyamorous, blended, and chosen-family structures.

Includes:

• Customized Wills

• Co-parenting or multi-guardian planning

• Medical directives + chosen-family access language

• Trust recommendations (if needed)

• Relationship and role mapping session

• Two rounds of revisions

Best for:
Households that don’t fit the standard legal mold and need documents that reflect real-life relationships.

3. Small Business Owner Package

$2,000 - $7,500 (depending on type of business and complexities)
For clients who own a business, freelance, or operate a creative practice.

Includes:

• Will tailored to business assets

• Successor or emergency management designations

• Digital asset plan (websites, accounts, crypto, etc.)

• Powers of attorney + medical directives

• Business continuity memo

• Two rounds of revisions

Best for:
Entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and anyone with business or professional assets.

4. Comprehensive Estate Plan with Living Trust

$3,000 - $5,000
A full plan for clients who want to avoid probate, streamline transfer of assets, and create long-term stability.

HIGHLY recommended for any individuals who have minor children or special needs dependents.

Includes:

• Revocable Living Trust

• Pour-over Will

• Medical directives + POAs

• Trust funding guidance

• Beneficiary review

• Digital assets plan

• Signing coordination

Best for:
Clients with property, dependents, or multi-state assets who want a more robust plan.

5. Limited-Scope Add-Ons

Flat pricing based on scope.

• Review of existing estate documents: $250–$400

• Name & gender-marker update alignment: $150–$350

• Standalone healthcare directive: $150

• Emergency turn-around (48–72 hours): +$500

Payment Options

• Flat-fee upfront

• Half upfront + half at document signing

• Sliding scale available for low-income LGBTQ+ clients (limited slots)

Next Steps

1. Complete a short intake form

2. Schedule a consult

3. Choose your package

4. Receive your personalized plan

Clear documents. Fair pricing. Planning that actually reflects who you are.

Transparent. Practical. Designed to give you a real second chance.

Clearing a criminal record can transform your opportunities — employment, housing, licensing, stability, and peace of mind.
At Northwatch Legal, expungement work is done with care, thoroughness, and respect for the whole person. My goal is to make the process clear, predictable, and manageable.

Every package includes straight answers about eligibility, timeline, and what evidence will strengthen your petition.

1. Eligibility Review & Case Assessment

$250 flat fee

Before anything moves forward, you get a clear, well-reasoned assessment of whether you qualify under Michigan’s Clean Slate laws.

Includes:

• Full criminal-history review

• Eligibility analysis for:
  • Automatic expungement
  • Petition-based expungement
  • Waiting periods and statutory limits

• Clear explanation of obstacles

• Written summary of options

Best for:
Anyone who wants to know exactly where they stand before committing to a full package.

If you hire me for the petition after this review, the $150 is credited toward your fee.

2. Standard Expungement Petition Package

$1,000 – $1,500
For straightforward, single-case petitions.

Includes:

• Certified record review

• Preparation and filing of petition

• Gathering supporting evidence

• Communications with court, prosecutor, & MSP

• Hearing preparation session

• Attorney appearance at hearing

• One set of revisions and updates

Best for:
Most first-time expungement clients with one eligible conviction.

3. Multi-Case / Complex Expungement Package

$1,500 – $2,000

For clients with multiple convictions, unusual procedural histories, or evidentiary needs.

Includes everything in the Standard Package plus:

• Multi-case strategy development

• Coordination across multiple courts or counties

• Enhanced evidence plan (letters, treatment records, employer statements)

• Detailed written narrative for petition

• Prosecutor negotiation when appropriate

Best for:
Clients with several convictions or legal complexities that require strategic planning.

4. Add-Ons & Limited-Scope Services

Clear, flat-fee options for targeted help.

• Certified records request assistance: $75–$150

• Supplemental evidence development: $150–$300

• Character letter drafting support: $100–$200

• Post-hearing follow-up / order distribution: $100

• Emergency or expedited timelines: +$250

What’s Included in Every Package

• Judgment-free representation

• Trauma-informed communication

• Clear timeline and expectations

• Transparent fees

• Plain-language explanations at every step

Payment Options

• Flat-fee upfront

• 50/50 split (half at signing, half before the hearing)

• Limited sliding-scale slots for low-income LGBTQ+ clients

Next Steps

1. Complete the criminal law intake form.

2. Receive an eligibility review.

3. Discuss available options and goals.

4. Enter into a retainer agreement based on our discussions.

5. Begin petition preparation

A criminal record doesn’t have to define your future.
Let’s get you the clean slate you deserve.

Affirming. Efficient. Focused on dignity and accuracy.

Aligning your legal name and gender marker with who you are should not be confusing, expensive, or dehumanizing.
Northwatch Legal provides judgment-free, identity-affirming support for adults, minors, trans youth, and families navigating Michigan, federal, passport, and SSA name and gender-marker processes.

My role is to make this as smooth and predictable as possible — with clear steps, clear pricing, and clear communication.

1. Name/Gender Marker Consultation & Document Review

$125 flat fee

A short, structured meeting to review your goals and confirm the best path.

Includes:

• Michigan court requirements explained in plain language

• Review of your current documents

• Identification of needed forms

• Step-by-step timeline

• Written plan for next steps

Best for:
Adults, youth, or families who want clarity before starting.
Fee credited toward any package.

Adult Name Change & Gender Marker Services

2. Adult Name Change Package (Michigan Court)

$450 – $750

Includes:

• Drafting all required name-change forms

• Instructions for fingerprinting (if required)

• Publication waiver request (if applicable)

• Filing guidance

• Hearing preparation (if applicable)

• Post-order document update checklist

Best for:
Adults seeking a Michigan court-ordered name change.

3. Gender Marker Update Package (ID, SSA)

DUE TO CURRENT ADMINISTRATION POLICIES, PASSPORT GENDER MARKER CHANGES ARE NOT FEASIBLE, AND EXTRA CONSIDERATIONS NEED TO BE MADE FOR POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF UPDATING SOME DOCUMENTS BUT NOT OTHERS.

$300 – $600

Includes:

• Updated driver’s license/state ID guidance

• SSA gender marker update

• Selective Service considerations (if applicable)

• Step-by-step instructions + completed forms

Best for:
Clients who already have a court order or need marker-only updates.

4. Adult Full Alignment Package (Name + Gender Marker)

$750 – $1,500

Includes:
Everything in the Adult Name Change Package plus:

• SSA marker update

• Driver’s license/state ID update

• Comprehensive “update all your records” checklist

• Priority email support

Best for:
Clients who want one complete, start-to-finish package.

Youth & Family Services

5. Minor Name Change Package

$450 – $850
(Varies based on parental consent or contested process)

Includes:

• Full petition drafting

• Parental notice strategy

• Assistance with consent requirements

• Contested-hearing preparation (if applicable)

• Post-order update guidance

Best for:
Parents or guardians seeking a supportive, affirming process for their child.

6. Trans Youth Gender Marker Update Package

$300 – $600

Includes:

• Guidance on Michigan ID changes

• School record updates

• SSA marker update (if age-eligible)

• Letters/forms for school systems as needed (within ethical bounds)

Best for:
Youth and families needing a structured, safe process.

Limited-Scope Options

• Document checklist only: $75

• Review of court forms you filled out yourself: $100–$150

• Letter to school/employer supporting updates: $125–$250

• Court hearing-only representation: $250–$450

• Emergency expedited support (48–72 hrs): +$150

What Every Client Receives

• Identity-affirming, respectful support

• Plain-language explanations of requirements

• Realistic timelines

• Protection of privacy and safety needs

• Step-by-step structure from start to finish

• No judgment, no gatekeeping

Payment Options

• Flat-fee pricing

• Payment plans available

• Limited sliding-scale availability for low-income LGBTQ+ clients

• Reduced fees for trans youth and crisis cases

Next Steps

1. Complete the short intake form.

2. Schedule your consultation.

3. Enter into a retainer agreement as discussed.

4. Begin the process with steady, clear support.

Your name. Your identity. Your documents — aligned.
Let’s get you where you need to be.