Lutherville Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney
If you've been charged with a crime, a misdemeanor, felony or
traffic offense, then you're probably going to need the
assistance of a criminal defense lawyer. Criminal defense lawyers
are attorneys that you hire to defend you against criminal
charges. A criminal defense lawyer typically works by himself or
within a larger law firm.
The fee to hire a criminal defense lawyer depends on a number of
factors. Some of those factors may include the seriousness of the
crime, the jurisdiction in which you're charged, the past
experience of the lawyer and the complexity of your criminal
charges and the time and effort it will take to defend you.
HOW MUCH DOES A LAWYER CHARGE FOR A FELONY CASE?
In most jurisdictions, there are two types of criminal offenses;
misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors, which are less serious
and carry less jail time. And felonies which are more serious and
typically the penalties are stiffer and the charges are more
complex. For felony charges, criminal defense lawyer typically
will charge more then he or she would charge for a misdemeanor.
It is not uncommon for an individual facing felony charges to
also face one or more misdemeanor charges in their case. A lawyer
may charge anywhere from $2,500 up to $25,000 depending on the
severity of the charges for a felony. The higher-end are they
more expensive the lawyer will charge is typically for the more
complicated or more serious criminal offenses such as murder or
rape. Because most of those serious offenses require a trial
before a judge or jury, it will take the lawyer more time and
effort to prepare and defend you.
DO LAWYERS HAVE PAYMENT PLANS?
Yes, most lawyers will offer some sort of payment plan for
criminal charges. Unlike civil lawyers, criminal lawyers will
typically charge a flat fee. A flat fee means the lawyer will
quote the total cost for the entire representation of the case.
This flat fee may include all motions and discovery as well as
trial prep and actually trying the case before a judge or jury.
Since most criminal prosecutions will take up to 6 months,
lawyers will charge an initial fee to retain their services and
then allow the client to pay the balance of the fee over a period
of time. This is typically how lawyers offer payment plans in a
flat fee criminal case.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO HIRE A CRIMINAL DEFENSE
ATTORNEY?
As discussed above, the cost to hire criminal defense attorney
will vary depending on the severity of the charges and the
complexity of the case. Less serious misdemeanors and traffic
cases may cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500. Whereas, more
serious and complicated felony cases will cost between $2,500 and
$25,000 to hire a criminal defense attorney.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET AN ATTORNEY?
How much does it cost to get an attorney? It all depends on what
kind of lawyer you need. If you're facing a criminal offense then
you need to hire hey criminal defense attorney. If you have been
charged with DUI or DWI, you may also hire criminal defense
attorney, as criminal defense attorneys handle both criminal and
traffic violations.
HOW MUCH DOES AN ATTORNEY COST TO HELP WITH A
MISDEMEANOR?
Since misdemeanor cases are typically less complicated, then
attorney cost to help with a misdemeanor would be less then a
felony charge.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A CRIMINAL TRIAL?
The average cost of a criminal trial will vary depending on the
length of the trial and the complexity of the charges. Another
factor that may dictate the cost to hire a criminal defense
attorney is the experience at reputation of the lawyer. It is
certainly possible to find a good criminal defense attorney that
is only a few years out of law school.
However, an experienced criminal defense attorney with many years
practicing law and dozens if not hundreds of trials will
typically be more expensive in the end. However, as the old adage
goes, "you get what you pay for." That means a more experienced
lawyer will typically provide a better product and a better
result in your case.
You may pay a premium to have the best criminal defense attorney
represent you. Another factor to consider is if a criminal
defense attorney has experience as a prosecutor. Most criminal
defense attorneys were once prosecutors and gain the experience
and knowledge in that position of how the criminal justice system
work. It is invaluable to hire a criminal defense lawyer that has
been a prosecutor because they have exceptional an extraordinary
knowledge of what the other side is thinking and how they will
handle criminal cases.
FIND A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
The best way to find a criminal defense attorney Is to start on
the internet. By searching for the best criminal defense attorney
you will be provided a list to start your search. It is advisable
that you meet with two or three attorneys before making a
decision and settling on the one you want to defend you. During
your initial consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, he or
she will quote the total fee so that you can determine if you
wish to hire that lawyer. If you have questions about criminal
charges in Maryland, contact the law offices of Randolph rice
today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer and for a price
quote for your case.