How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

The answer depends. Criminal defense encompasses as a wide a range of options as is possible. If you are able to make a choice, then you should think very seriously before deciding. A good criminal defense lawyer could mean the difference between facing the stiffest penalty and being found not guilty.

Cost of an Ohio Public Defender

It could cost nothing if you are indigent in Ohio and qualify for a public defender, say in Franklin County or Delaware County. You have a Constitutional right to counsel, which is why if you cannot afford an attorney, then one will be provided for you by the State. This is one of the most important rights the Constitution bestows, but remember that you get what you pay for.

The downside is that the public defender’s office serves all of the public. This means that the public defenders are weighed down by many cases streaming in and have limited time and resources. It is just a reality that there is only so much time a public defender will be able to spend on your case. In addition, you are assigned a public defender; you don’t get to choose who will represent you. So whether or not you think your attorney is skilled, knowledgeable, or meshes well with your personality will be irrelevant for you to consider. Unless there is an exceptional reason as to why your assigned attorney needs to be replaced, you take who you get.

Average Hourly Attorney Fee in Ohio

It is common for attorneys to bill by the hour. This means that the attorney bills for each hour worked on your case. The attorney keeps an accounting of the work done so you can see how each hour was spent. If you have questions, you should raise them with your attorney. He or she should be able to explain to you what the billing is for. Most clients have very little idea how much work attorneys do and the scope of activities that go into preparing a case. Luckily, the accounting is there for you to consult if you want, and if you need to sit down with your attorney to discuss planning your finances, this should always be available to you.

So, what will an Ohio criminal defense attorney charge in your case? A very rough average hourly fee for criminal defense attorney services in Ohio ranges from $150 to $400 or more per hour. The exact fee depends on the complexity of the case, the size of the firm, the number of years the attorney has been in practice, and other factors. Word to the wise: it is usually a good idea to avoid attorneys promising the lowest rates. Cheap attorneys are usually either inexperienced or carry a very high caseload to make money, and thus have little time for your case.

Flat Rate Attorney Fees for Criminal Defense

Another billing arrangement involves charging a set, flat rate fee up front or at some determined point in time during a case. The benefit of this type of arrangement is that the client knows what he or she has to pay. This type of arrangement is most ideal for more straight-forward, simple legal scenarios. If an attorney thinks a case will only reach a particular stage or will end very fast, then this predictability lends itself to assigning a set amount.

Flat rate legal fees for criminal defense cases vary widely based on the type of case, the complexity and length of the proceedings, the experience of the attorney, and the list goes on ... The lowest flat fee rates for criminal defense of a simple matter could be under $1,000. Of course they can be much higher for more complex matters, including criminal appeals.

However, if things don’t go as planned, you might end up paying another flat amount to reach another agreed upon point in your case. In the worst case situation, you could end up repeatedly paying chunks of money that could end up totaling a great deal. Therefore, it is best to have a clear conversation with your attorney beforehand and make contingency plans in case things go one of several ways. That way both you and your attorney can be prepared for what the future brings.

What is a Retainer in a Criminal Case?

In many cases, your defense attorney will require you to pay a lump sum up front, before taking your case. This amount is meant to cover part of your legal costs. Often you pay for a certain number of hours at the attorney's hourly rate. For simple matters, the retainer might be only several hundred dollars. In complex felony cases, a retainer could be as much as $5,000, $10,000 or more.

At Our Columbus, Ohio Criminal Defense Law Firm, You Can Be Sure that You are Paying for the Best

Wolfe Legal Services works tirelessly for its clients because we want clients to sleep easier knowing they are paying for counsel that has their best interest in mind. We offer a free consultation, during which we will discuss our fees and how they will be calculated in your particular case. Call Attorney George Wolfe today for a free, confidential consultation at (614) 263-5297.