How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost?

Written By: Matthew W. Peterson

Published: 03/21/2018

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Understanding the Cost of a Criminal Defense Attorney

Determining the cost of how much does a criminal defense attorney cost can be complex, as it varies based on several factors including the nature of the charges, your criminal history, and the jurisdiction in which your case is being heard. At the Law Office of Matthew Peterson, we understand that potential clients often seek clarity regarding legal fees.

Fee Structures

We typically offer two main types of fee arrangements for criminal defense cases:

Flat Fee

This involves a single upfront payment that covers the entirety of your case, regardless of how much time we dedicate to it or how many court appearances are necessary.

Hourly Rate

In this scenario, you pay based on the actual time spent on your case. Initially, a retainer fee is required, which is drawn from as work progresses. Once this retainer is exhausted, additional payments may be necessary.

Factors Influencing Fees

The specific fee we charge is influenced by several critical factors:

Nature of Charges: The complexity and severity of your charges play a significant role.
Criminal Record: Your prior history can affect both strategy and cost.
Jurisdiction: Different courts may have varying requirements and procedures.
Estimated Case Duration: The anticipated time needed to resolve your case also impacts overall fees.

At the Law Office of Matthew Peterson, we strive for transparency in our pricing. If your case concludes more swiftly than expected, we often provide partial refunds.

Additional Costs

It’s important to note that our fees do not encompass certain expenses that may arise during your case. These can include costs for court reporters, transcripts, expert witnesses, and court fees. We believe in providing comprehensive representation and will discuss these potential expenses with you upfront.

Payment Options

Understanding that legal fees can be daunting, we are open to establishing flexible payment plans tailored to your financial situation. We accept various forms of payment including cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards.

Quality Representation Matters

While our fees may not be the lowest in the market, we emphasize the importance of quality legal representation. Engaging a less experienced or cheaper attorney can lead to inadequate defense strategies that jeopardize your future. As the saying goes, “There’s nothing more expensive than a cheap lawyer.”

Get Started Today

If you face criminal charges—be it a DUI or a more serious offense—it’s crucial to have a dedicated criminal defense attorney in Boston MA who will advocate fiercely on your behalf while ensuring fairness in our fee structure. Contact the Law Office of Matthew Peterson today at (617) 295-7500 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward effective legal representation.

FAQs About Criminal Defense Attorney Fees

1. What factors determine the cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney?

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost? The cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney is influenced by several factors, including the nature and severity of the charges, your criminal history, the jurisdiction where your case is being heard, and the estimated time required to resolve your case.

2. What types of fee arrangements do you offer?

We offer two primary fee structures: a flat fee, which is a single payment covering the entire case, and an hourly rate, where you pay based on the actual time spent on your case. We will discuss which option is best for your specific situation during our initial consultation.

3. Are there additional costs I should be aware of?

Yes, our fees do not include certain additional expenses that may arise during your case. These can include costs for court reporters, transcripts, expert witnesses, and court fees. We will provide a clear overview of these potential expenses upfront.

4. What if I cannot afford to pay the full fee upfront?

We understand that legal fees can be a financial burden. If you cannot pay the full fee upfront, we are happy to work with you to establish a flexible payment plan that suits your financial situation. We accept various payment methods, including cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards.

5. Why should I choose your law office over cheaper options?

While our fees may not be the lowest in the market, we prioritize quality representation and a strong defense strategy tailored to your case. Engaging a less experienced or cheaper attorney can lead to an inadequate defense that jeopardizes your future. At the Law Office of Matthew Peterson, we are committed to fighting for your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.