If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, you may be considering hiring an attorney – and the costs involved in doing so. While what attorneys bill differs based on geographical location, experience, and the case’s complexity, the price ranges we provide should give you a better picture of likely costs.
When you ask, “How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?” you may realize it is a difficult question to answer. Attorneys will cost different amounts based on various factors.
While the below rates provide general ranges for different types of charges, attorneys will often give you an estimate but charge per hour. Going with a per-hour rate can work out in your favor if the case wraps up fast; it can become more expensive than a flat rate, though, if the case takes a complicated turn.
Misdemeanor Defense Costs
The degree of possible penalties determines what crimes are designated by states as infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Infractions, or violations, are the least serious criminal category, with no possible jail time but only.
Misdemeanors are in the middle, below felonies. You could have to serve jail time for a misdemeanor and could also incur a fine under the federal code and the laws of all fifty states.
While some states have up to 2-3 year sentences for misdemeanors, a single year of jail time is often the maximum penalty. Crimes fall into the felony category once they are serious enough to carry more than a year of prison time.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost for a misdemeanor? As a broad national range and depending on the crime, the typical cost for misdemeanor representation ranges from $2500 to $8000.
Assault & Battery Defense Costs
You have probably heard the terms assault and battery many times, but you may not know the exact distinction. Sometimes states take the two concepts of assault and battery and contain both within catchall assault charges.
You may think that making physical contact harmfully with someone is necessary to commit assault/battery. In fact, attempting to strike someone or even threatening them can be sufficient for an assault/battery charge.
Offensively or harmfully touching someone is battery. Attempting or threatening to harm someone is assault.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost for assault and battery? Depending on the degree of injury and type of assault and/or battery charges, retainers for defense range from $5000 to $100,000.
Drug Possession Defense Costs
When people have heroin, LSD, cocaine, marijuana (in most cases), methamphetamine, or other controlled substances in their possession, it is a crime. It is also unlawful to possess substances that are used to create or grow drugs. Plus, you cannot have paraphernalia that facilitates drug use or production.
The two categories into which drug possession laws typically fall are the following:
1. Simple Possession – The individual only has drugs for personal use.
2. Possession with Intent to Distribute – The individual is planning to sell some of the drugs.
To deter drug dealing, there are usually tougher sentences for the latter category. Witness testimony is used as evidence of intent to sell by prosecutors, along with baggies, digital scales, a large volume of cash, or a large amount of drugs.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost for drug possession charges? The typical cost is $3000 to $10,000.
Domestic Violence Defense Costs
No one wants anyone to get attacked, especially in one’s own home. Regardless of that concern, for legitimate victims, domestic violence charges are not always warranted.
Per the Office on Violence Against Women, domestic abuse is an effort by one partner in an intimate relationship to exert control over the other by hurting them. There are eight major categories of abuse:
1. Physical Abuse
2. Psychological Abuse
3. Emotional Abuse
4. Economic Abuse
5. Sexual Abuse
6. Stalking
7. Cyberstalking
8. Threats.
Also, the relationships that can apply to domestic abuse are much broader than marriages. Potential victims can also include these additional primary groups:
• Children
• Other family members
• Romantic/sexual partners
• Roommates
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost for domestic violence? Expect to pay $3500 to $15,000.
Court Appearance Defense Costs
If you are charged with a crime, expect to have to appear in court multiple times. A court appearance is the act of going before a judge in a courtroom, through which decisions are made about your case.
Typically you pay for a court appearance as part of your overall defense. The average cost for misdemeanor defense is $2500 to $8000, while the average cost for felony defense is $10,000 to $20,000.
Criminal Trial Defense Costs
In a criminal trial, a jury is presented with evidence for the case from each of the two sides. The jury makes a determination whether the charged individual is guilty or not guilty. The establishment of the commitment of the crime via evidence and witnesses is the goal of the prosecution. Using evidence and witnesses of its own, the defense makes it clear that the defendant should be cleared of charges – acquitted – with a not-guilty verdict.
The cost of a trial is typically more than $20,000. Expect that total to include 40 or more hours of preparation and $2000 or more per day of trial in costs and fees.
Be Careful About Buying Legal Services Solely on Price
If you have been charged with a crime, it is understandable that you want to get a ballpark idea of how much it will cost for representation. Since lawyers are highly trained professionals whose time is valuable, the cost of defense may prompt you to go with the lowest bid you get.
Why may you be further convinced to shop for this critical need based on price? Sometimes discount attorneys will claim that they are able to charge less because they are highly efficient — in other words, you are getting the same quality for less. The truth of the matter is that most lawyers who are charging bargain rates have huge caseloads to account for reduced profit margin, with very little time to dedicate to any one case.
Maybe you are thinking about skipping private representation altogether and going with the public defender. However, bear in mind that private lawyers offer much more headspace and time for your case: they will often have 5-10% of the caseloads of public defenders.
Choose the Right Criminal Defense Attorney for Your Case
While considering your budget is important, remember that not all attorneys are created equal. Keep in mind the above discussion of low-cost attorneys who claim greater efficiency. Typically when you choose a bargain lawyer, they will spend less time working on your case – and that could mean devastating results.
Choosing a criminal defense attorney who costs a bit more but is much more dedicated to your case can lead to much better outcomes.