What is the Average Retainer Fee for a Criminal Lawyer?
When you need a criminal lawyer, the retainer fee is a one-time fee. They charge an hourly fee and require a deposit before they can start working. These fees can run into the thousands. You may be interested in learning what the average retainer fee is for a criminal lawyer before hiring one. These are some things to keep in mind. It is important to set a reasonable retainer amount.
The case's complexity will usually determine the amount of the retainer fee. DUI lawyers can charge anywhere from two to five thousand dollars for a single DUI case. For other crimes, a higher retainer may be required. The average retainer fee for a case involving a felony is $5,500 to $15,000 but it could be double or triple that amount. A consultation fee for a criminal lawyer should be between $100 and $250.
A retainer fee for a criminal lawyer can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000. This is for a misdemeanor case. A felony retainer may cost up to $15,500. If your case is a series of offenses, the retainer fee will be two or three times higher. Most attorneys offer a free consultation. For a felony case, you can expect to pay approximately $40,000.
Once you have hired a criminal attorney, you will need to pay their retainer fee. While most lawyers charge the same fees for a misdemeanor matter, some may be more complex or require more time. A felony case may take anywhere from three to a year. It's very difficult to change the billing method after you have hired a lawyer. You should consider asking for a lower fee.
A criminal lawyer will charge a flat fee based on the complexity of the case. An attorney for misdemeanors will typically charge between $1,500 to $3,500. You can expect to pay between $10,000-20,000,000. This is the cost for a felony lawyer's services. Typical fees vary for both. The payment method of a felony attorney will depend on the complexity of the crime.
The complexity of a case will determine the retainer fee. For example, a drug offense attorney costs about $2,000 to $700. The fee for a felony will be anywhere between $10 and $15,000. Keep in mind that not all lawyers will charge the same retainer.
Paul J Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law | Criminal Attorney and DUI Lawyer
2525 S Telegraph Rd suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, United States
(248) 451 2200