What Does It Cost to Hire a Serious Criminal Defense Attorney?

Serious criminal defense requires a serious commitment of time, preparation, and financial resources. One of the first questions prospective clients ask is how much their defense will cost.

What Determines the Fee?

The answer depends on the charges, the complexity of the evidence, the potential punishment, the legal issues involved, and the amount of work reasonably anticipated.

How Do Fixed Fees Work?

I handle serious felony cases primarily on a fixed-fee basis. This means that the attorney’s fee is established in a written agreement that identifies the representation covered by that fee. You know the agreed fee and its scope before retaining me.

My fees reflect more than the time spent appearing in court. They account for the work necessary to evaluate and prepare a serious criminal defense, including reviewing evidence, investigating facts, researching the law, preparing motions, negotiating with prosecutors, and preparing for trial when appropriate.

What About Case Costs?

In addition to the attorney’s fee, clients must provide a separate advance deposit for anticipated case costs. These may include investigators, expert witnesses, forensic testing, transcripts, records, and other expenses necessary for the defense.

What Should You and Your Family Expect?

My practice is not structured around low-cost representation or installment financing. I require the agreed fixed attorney’s fee and initial advance cost deposit to be paid in full before representation begins.

I understand that these financial commitments can be substantial. Many clients receive financial assistance from parents, grandparents, spouses, relatives, or other people who want to help them obtain experienced legal representation.