2024 How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Florida?

Being accused of a crime often comes with fear and anxiety. Hiring a criminal defense attorney can help bring you peace of mind. During your search for legal counsel, understanding the criminal lawyer cost in Florida can keep you informed of what you might owe during the process.

Types of Fee Structures

Before understanding how much an individual might expect to pay for their case, it is important to learn how that fee might be asked for. Attorneys sometimes have different fee structures based on their practice areas and experience levels. The main types of fee structures include:

• Retainers: A retainer is asked for at the start of a case before the attorney does any work on it. It’s meant for the attorney to bill the retainer as the case progresses rather than billing you every time more work is done. In some cases, the retainer is more than enough to cover the entire cost of the case, and the attorney will send the money back to you. In other cases, an attorney might need more to complete their work.
• Flat Fees: If your situation is more common for the attorney working on your case, they might have a very precise idea of how your case will go and how it will cost. In these cases, they will usually assign a flat fee. Most flat fees range from $2000 – $3000, but they can cost more depending on the specific charges. Before agreeing to this structure, it’s a good idea to know whether or not this fee is refundable if the case goes quickly.

In certain areas of law, an attorney can take what’s called a contingency fee based on the amount of money that an individual wins in their case. While this might work for certain types of cases, criminal defense law rarely comes with large settlements, so most criminal defense attorneys do not take contingency fees for these types of situations.

Each attorney has their own way of structuring their fees. Before signing a contract with an attorney, ask them how much money you might owe and when they will expect it.

Factors That Affect Fees

There are also some extra factors that go into how much an attorney might charge you. It is possible for two people receiving similar criminal charges to pay entirely different amounts based on the context of their situation. Some of the most relevant factors that affect attorney fees include:

• Type of Charges: The specific charge given to you can impact how long it might take to work on your case, resulting in different fees. For example, the cost of a DUI charge might differ from other types of criminal charges. As a general rule, misdemeanors often cost less than felony charges due to the different amounts of work involved.
• Attorney Details: Just because you find a cheap attorney does not mean that they are an ideal candidate for your case. Attorneys with better track records and reputations can often charge more for the same work as other attorneys. They also typically come with more experience in criminal defense law. It is important to review specific fees and determine what works for you rather than just agreeing to the smallest number.
• Litigation: Many cases never see a courtroom and are resolved before they go to trial. In these instances, defendants usually pay less for attorney’s fees. Most cases that go to trial require exponentially more work in preparation, gathering witnesses, and other tasks. There are also other unexpected fees associated with going to court, like filing fees, paying witnesses with niche experience to testify, and more.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Charge in Florida?

A: Most criminal lawyers charge anywhere between $300-400 per hour in Florida. There are a lot of different factors that can impact a lawyer’s exact rates, including where in Florida they are located, their level of experience in criminal law, and the details of their case. If your case does not end up going to trial, it’s possible that it might cost less than a case that has to be litigated. For an exact estimate of how much your case might cost, contact a defense attorney individually.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Lawyer in Florida?

A: On average, it can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for a criminal defense attorney in Florida. The specific costs can vary based on the attorney’s fee structure. While some choose to bill by the hour, others charge a flat fee based on how long they think they might have to work on your case. If your case ends up going to trial, it can cost much more than these estimated amounts. Each attorney has more information on their average rates and fee structures.

Q: How Long Is a Lawyer Retainer Good For?

A: A lawyer’s retainer is valid until all the money in the retainer fund is used. Some lawyers ask for a retainer before starting work on your case. This is an upfront fee that attorneys take money out of as they work on the case. If there is money left over after the case finishes, they have to return it. If there is not enough money in the retainer for the attorney to finish work on the case, they might ask for more before doing additional work.

Q: How Do I Find a Good Lawyer in Florida?

A: A good lawyer is experienced, trustworthy, and communicates well. It can be a good idea to develop a list of several different attorneys you might want to work with and then meet with them individually to ask questions about your unique situation. Some good questions to ask during these interviews include questions about their experience and what types of cases they have handled in the past, as well as how much they might charge you for their services.

Going Above and Beyond

Jeff Marshall Law has experience working with individuals for criminal defense, DUIs and DWIs, and drug possession cases. In several circumstances, we have been able to significantly reduce or dismiss the charges against our clients. For more information on what we might be able to do for your specific case, schedule a one-on-one consultation with us. You don’t have to go through a legal battle alone with an experienced criminal defense attorney.