How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

December 19, 2013  |  Adriel B. Villarreal

Cost should probably be the last thing on your mind when you are charged with a criminal offense. Your real concern should be getting the best representation you can get in the hopes of walking away from your charges with a minimum amount of damage to your life.
However, unknowns can add to your stress and distress. So while the cost can depend on your circumstances we thought we’d share a little bit about how those costs may be determined.
The attorney will consider how long he anticipates your case taking after consulting with you. He will listen to your concerns and to your story.
Then he will generally set a flat fee retainer based on the amount of time he anticipates the case taking. He will take his hourly rate into account. The retainer will secure the representation you need. Other billing arrangements are generally handled at a later date.
The amount that you’d pay for a good criminal lawyer won’t be cheap, but you are defending your reputation and possibly your freedom. Any court-ordered fines or restitutions could end up being far more expensive than attorney’s fees, as well.
Resist the urge to look for rock-bottom prices when selecting a criminal defense attorney. If you are so financially so financially strapped that paying a good attorney’s rates seem to be beyond you, ask for a public defender. Otherwise, hire the very best attorney that you can afford. It can make a big difference in how well your criminal case proceeds.