Dr. Maris charges $400/hour to read and investigate and $500/hour for all testimony (depositions and trial testimony).  All expenses (travel, plane fare, car fare, hotel, food, etc.) are extra.  For 8 or more hours (starting at midnight) a full per diem (either $4000 or $5000) is charged.  Travel time is billed at $400 or $500/hour, depending on whether investigation or testimony is involved. 

The fee for a retainer is one per diem or $4000, to be sent along with the case file (a complete unedited file is requested).  In most cases, the retainer suffices for Dr. Maris to read everything and give an oral report.  If the initial review takes less than 10 hours, then the unexpended retainer time is applied to further work.  If the initial review takes more than 10 hours, then those hours are billed at $400/hour.  Retainers are not refundable, should the initial review take less than 10 hours and the client decides not to use Dr. Maris's testimony or have him do further work.

 

Suicide Expert    The University of South Carolina    305 Sloan Building, 911 Pickens Street    Columbia, South Carolina  29208