When you realize you need the services of an attorney, your first thought is likely to be about the associated costs. If you’ve never needed the help of a lawyer before, the costs can seem intimidating — but they don’t have to be.
Part of choosing the attorney that’s right for you is finding one that can meet your financial needs. On top of overall cost, you may need flexible payment options as well. Though you may feel that your situation requires you to make a fast decision, taking the time to research available options can ensure you get the help you need while still working within your budget.
Below, we’ve outlined the most common costs of hiring a criminal defense lawyer. Understanding these costs and planning for them will help you ensure that there are no major surprises when you receive your bill.
Flat Fee Billing
Flat fee services have a predetermined cost that won’t change unless you need additional services. Firms that offer flat fees advertise them upfront, so there’s no confusion about the price. Attorneys (like Jeremy Widder Law) focusing on criminal defense commonly use flat fee payment structures. We also offer flexible payment plans to work with folks to break up the fee over time.
By the Hour Billing
Hourly rates, while also familiar, are sometimes misunderstood by clients. A lawyer with an hourly rate may bill in smaller increments, like every ten or every fifteen minutes, with their stated rate being what an hour totals. An attorney that charges $300 an hour, for example, won’t necessarily round to the nearest hour when tallying your final bill, but they may. Be sure to inquire exactly how the hourly rate breaks down when searching for legal counsel.
Another point of confusion is what is considered “work” for an hourly rate. It can vary from firm to firm, but it usually involves all time spent on your case, regardless of the activity. Beyond discussing the details of your case, researching case law, and time spent in court on your behalf, they may charge you for time spent answering your questions throughout.
While billable hours lend themselves to similar flexibility as flat-rate billing, by the hour, work can quickly add up as your case works its way through court. Because it’s difficult to tell how long a trial can take to resolve, predicting your overall costs under these methods can be difficult. It may not be ideal if you’re short on cash unless the firm has a flexible payment plan in place.
What If I Can’t Find A Lawyer I Can Afford?
We all have the right to legal representation, but not everyone can pay for the law firms in their area. Thankfully, alternatives do exist, but each one usually comes with its requirements. If you qualify, you could still get legal aid without jeopardizing your financial standing.
Public defenders are commonplace and exist explicitly to help those who cannot afford the services of a private law firm. A public defender could be assigned to you by a court, or you can seek one out on your own. Their wide availability makes them an appealing option. Still, that same availability can be an Achilles’ heel: public defenders often have heavy workloads and may not be able to give you the personal attention you want or need to have the best chance of winning your case.
Legal aid societies are another alternative to private law firms. These non-profit organizations are prevalent throughout the United States and help low-income individuals and families find affordable (or accessible) legal representation. Because they are sizable organizations, they don’t get overwhelmed the same way individual public defenders do, but accessibility can be a problem. How a LAS defines low-income is tied to federal poverty guidelines but can change every year and may still be hard to meet, even if you are struggling financially.
Jeremy Widder Law is on Your Side
It’s no secret that life can get complicated, but navigating those tricky waters can be a lot easier with an attorney who you can trust. Don’t let legal troubles overwhelm you and make sure the attorney at your side is someone you can trust to defend what matters.
Here at Jeremy Widder Law, we dedicate our time to guiding you from start to finish and ensuring your case gets the attention it deserves. Our goal is to protect your rights and your future by fighting for the best outcome for your case.
We are committed to walking with you from start to finish and giving your unique case the attention it deserves.
We’re ready to help. Let’s talk.
