The fee charged by a criminal defense attorney depends on the charges against you and the complexity of the legal issues involved. If you are facing a serious charge, you can expect to pay upwards of $40,000 for a lawyer. For a less serious charge, you may pay as little as a few thousand dollars. However, if the charges against you are minor, you may not need such a high-priced lawyer.
The fee of a criminal defense attorney varies greatly depending on the complexity of your case and your lawyer’s skill level. Most attorneys charge around $150 to $700 per hour, though this amount can quickly reach $10,000 or more. Many lawyers will ask for a retainer fee that will cover a certain amount of their time. Once you’ve spent the retainer, hourly rates kick in and you’ll have to pay off the remaining amount.
Some lawyers charge a minimum retainer of $5,000 to $10,000. Depending on the charges and your criminal history, you could be facing up to five years in prison. Nevertheless, the fee for a DUI attorney can vary widely. It can range anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on your criminal history. This fee can also depend on whether you need a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases.
If you are worried about the cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney, be honest and open about how much you can spend. While you can afford a lawyer who charges lower fees than you do, remember that not all lawyers are equal. After all, your time is money. You may find that they are not as efficient or experienced as you would have liked. If this is the case, a less expensive lawyer may not be the best option.
