Most people have no idea how much a lawyer charges. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, you will want to answer the question “how much do criminal lawyers charge?” As with all things, it depends.
Below we cover a few different topics you should think about when hiring a criminal lawyer. Our lawyers have handled over 700 federal cases around the US and have handled state criminal defense matters in Maryland, DC, New York, and Arkansas. If you would like a free criminal consultation, read all the way to the end.
Table of Contents
What are Average Costs for Criminal Defense Lawyers Around the Country?
There are many factors that impact the legal fees that you will pay for a criminal defense lawyer, and one of them is geography.
The legal software company Clio has gathered data for attorneys in Maryland and the average hourly rate for criminal defense lawyers is $188.00 /hr. In New York, their data shows an average hourly rate of $241.00.
Lawyers in most states are allowed to charge different rates and prices based on different factors such as:
(1) the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved,
and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;
(2) the likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular
employment will preclude other employment of the attorney;
(3) the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;
(4) the amount involved and the results obtained;
(5) the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances;
(6) the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client;
(7) the experience, reputation, and ability of the attorney or attorneys performing the services.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney at All?
There is truth to the old saying “a man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.” Outside of a traffic ticket (sometimes even then) no one should represent themselves.
Even if you are offered only probation or a fine, just having a conviction on your record can lead to: trouble gaining employment, losing the right to possession a firearm, and more.
Cost is always an issue, even for people have money. A good criminal defense attorney is not cheap. It will cost you thousands of dollars to hire a competent criminal lawyer, but it will cost you more than that not to considering the long-term negative effects on your life.
We Offer Free Consultations in Criminal Cases
You are here because you Googled how much do criminal lawyers charge. Unfortunately, every case is different and we cannot quote you a fee until we do an initial consultation.
By reading this post, you are entitled to a free consultation for your federal or state criminal case. Click below, and one of our criminal lawyers will contact you immediately.
