Buffalo, NY Legal Fees for Criminal Cases: What to Expect

Legal Fees for Criminal Cases in Buffalo, NY: What to Expect

Factors That Influence Legal Fees

Several key factors influence how much you can expect to pay for a criminal defense lawyer in Buffalo, including:

• Type of Charge – Legal fees tend to increase based on the severity of the criminal charge. Traffic tickets and violations generally cost less than misdemeanors, which cost less than felonies. Violent felonies like murder often have the highest legal fees.
• Type of Court – Cases heard in federal court or counties outside of Buffalo often have higher legal fees than cases in Buffalo’s city court.
• Plea vs Trial – Taking a case to trial requires significantly more attorney work and costs more than reaching a plea bargain.
• Experience of Lawyer – More experienced criminal defense lawyers or those from larger firms typically charge higher hourly rates or retainer fees.
• Location of Lawyer – Hiring a lawyer from downtown Buffalo or a more expensive area usually costs more than one from a lower-cost Buffalo neighborhood.
• Reputation of Lawyer – Lawyers with excellent reputations and track records often command higher prices.
• Payment Structure – Hourly billing rates, flat fees, or retainer structures impact overall cost.

Payment Structures

There are several typical payment structures used by criminal defense attorneys in Buffalo:

• Hourly Rate – Ranges from $100/hr to $500/hr depending on experience. Billed in increments as small as 6 minutes.
• Flat Fee – A set fee paid upfront for handling an entire case or certain portions, like $2,000 for pre-trial work.
• Retainer Fee – An upfront deposit to secure representation, which is placed into a trust account and billed against as work is performed. Common retainer amounts range from $1,500 to $100,000.
• Payment Plans – Many lawyers allow clients to split costs into more affordable monthly installments.

For long or complex cases going to trial, combinations of upfront retainers and hourly billing are common. Simple misdemeanors can often be handled for a flat fee.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Lawyer

To make sure you understand precisely what legal fees will be involved before retaining a criminal defense lawyer in Buffalo, here are some important questions to ask:

• What is your hourly rate or typical retainer fee required?
• Do you offer flat fees or discounted rates for certain types of cases?
• What payment structures do you accept (credit cards, payment plans, etc.)?
• Approximately how much do you estimate my legal fees could total?
• What cost-saving options do you offer if fees become too high for my budget?
• Will I be charged for all phone calls, emails, and meetings with you?
• How can I keep costs down if I hire you for my defense?
• Do you offer free consultations where I can discuss my case?
• Can you provide references from past clients I can contact about costs?

Pro Bono Assistance

Some criminal defense attorneys take on a limited number of pro bono cases each year for clients who cannot afford any legal fees but do not qualify for a public defender. This is typically done through legal aid organizations and nonprofits. Reaching out to explain your financial situation may persuade an attorney to provide pro bono assistance if they believe you truly cannot afford counsel.

Conclusion

The costs associated with hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Buffalo can seem daunting. However, legal fees often pale in comparison to the severe consequences of a criminal conviction.

By understanding typical legal costs in Buffalo for different types of criminal charges and payment structures, you can make informed decisions and get the best legal representation possible for your individual case and budget. Be sure to ask plenty of questions upfront so there are no surprises down the road.

With an experienced criminal defense lawyer fighting for your rights, you have the absolute best chance of the most favorable outcome to the criminal charges you face. In the long run, investing in knowledgeable legal counsel is usually well worth the expense.