Criminal Defense Attorney Fees: How Much Does It Cost for a Lawyer?

Hiring a criminal defense attorney requires planning ahead. You will need to pay an up-front lawyer retainer fee to begin any legal work on your case and will need to budget for any anticipated future criminal defense attorney fees to complete your case. The American Bar Association offers good advice on lawyer retainers.

What is a criminal defense lawyer retainer fee?

A lawyer retainer fee is an advance deposit against hourly work to be completed by your criminal defense attorney. A retainer is a starting budget, not a flat “one-and-done” fee or a contingent percentage of a settlement or court award.

When choosing an attorney, ask for a clear quote: How much initial legal retainer is needed, what hourly rate applies, and what services are covered? Then plan your finances accordingly.

At Braddock Law, we are willing to set up reasonable payment schedules.

Understanding how much a criminal defense attorney costs helps you budget for your case through its completion, and the initial retainer is the first step.

How much does it cost for a lawyer retainer fee and ongoing criminal defense attorney fees?

You will always need to pay a lawyer retainer fee to hire an experienced defense attorney. Think of it as a security for your lawyer’s time.

Attorneys usually charge an initial lawyer retainer fee based on the estimated scope of work. This might range from a few thousand dollars for a straightforward misdemeanor, to higher amounts for complex felony cases. On the initial call, we’ll discuss the details of your case so I can provide an accurate estimate up-front. This information also provides a holistic view of your situation so we can develop your  best defense option.

• For example, a DUI case might have a minimum initial retainer of $4,000–$5,000, whereas a serious felony (like aggravated assault) could start at $10,000 or higher.
• These numbers vary by case. In order for the attorney to take your case, you need to be able to afford the initial minimum retainer fee and potential future criminal defense attorney fees.

Affordable legal services with Christopher Braddock: hourly rates and billing

Attorneys bill by the hour for their time. A typical rate might be anywhere from $300–$400 per hour or higher (depending on experience, location and case). My current hourly rate is $350 per hour. When working with an attorney on retainer, the lawyer logs hours worked and deducts them from your lawyer retainer fee balance. Once the retainer is used up, you’ll need to replenish it to continue legal work on the case.

Criminal defense attorney Christopher Braddock offers affordable hourly fees and makes all time spent on your case count.

Budgeting criminal defense lawyer costs

Payment plans for criminal defense attorney fees

You may be able to arrange a payment plan after paying the initial retainer. For example, after the retainer is applied, you pay additional legal fees in installments each month while work continues.

Chris Braddock often works with clients to develop payment plans for additional costs after the initial up-front retainer is paid.

Financing options to get a lawyer on retainer and cover ongoing fees

If the initial up-front retainer is beyond your immediate means, consider financing, such as a personal loan or a credit card to cover the retainer and initial fees. Having a financing plan like this ensures you can begin working with your criminal defense lawyer promptly.

Braddock Law recommends clients explore loans or financing early in preparing for a criminal defense case, because getting good legal help early can save money and stress later on.

Determine your criminal defense attorney cost during the initial consultation

During your first consultation, Christopher Braddock will explain the fees and up-front retainer policy, including the minimum retainer needed for your case, the hourly rate, and how you’ll be billed.

Be upfront about your budget so you can work out payment plans and/or financing as needed to begin.

Planning for criminal defense attorney fees: protect your rights & your future

Planning for legal fees can feel intimidating, but it’s a necessary part of mounting a strong defense. If you have questions about legal retainers or budgets, contact Braddock Law. We’re happy to discuss your case and attorney cost questions.

Remember, the upfront criminal defense attorney cost is an investment in protecting your rights.

By preparing your finances now, such as gathering cash, applying for a loan, or preparing savings, you’ll be able to move forward with your case without delay.