Criminal Defense Lawyers

Philadelphia Federal Criminal Defense Costs and Fees: Average Ranges

Philadelphia Federal Criminal Defense Costs and Fees: Average Ranges

Dealing with a federal criminal charge can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. Even just being investigated by federal authorities like the FBI, DEA, or ATF is enough to make anyone feel anxious. And if you do end up getting charged, the potential consequences are severe. Federal crimes carry lengthy prison sentences, huge fines, and lifelong collateral consequences.

Fortunately, the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to an attorney. And having a knowledgeable federal criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference. An experienced attorney understands the complex federal criminal justice system and can protect your rights every step of the way.

However, competent legal representation doesn’t come cheap. Federal criminal defense lawyers typically charge higher rates than state criminal defense attorneys. Cases brought in federal court tend to be more complex and high-stakes. And your lawyer may need to litigate issues in multiple jurisdictions. So it’s important to understand the potential costs involved.

If you’re facing federal charges in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which covers Philadelphia, this article provides an overview of the average attorney fees and overall costs you can expect to pay for your legal defense.

Average Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Rates in Philadelphia

Attorney hourly rates are perhaps the biggest factor in determining the overall cost of your federal criminal defense. In Philadelphia, hourly rates for federal criminal lawyers typically fall into the following ranges:

• Entry-level associates: $150 – $250 per hour
• Experienced mid-level associates: $250 – $350 per hour
• Senior associates and junior partners: $350 – $475 per hour
• Highly experienced senior partners: $475 – $650+ per hour

The more complex your case, the more likely you are to pay rates at the higher end and to have senior attorneys and partners spending time on your case. These lawyers have the expertise and trial skills necessary for federal criminal litigation.

In addition to experience, hourly rates vary based on factors like the lawyer’s reputation, credentials, and the size and resources of their firm. Attorneys from large firms with national practices tend to bill at higher rates.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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However, the tradeoff is that solos and small firm attorneys often provide greater personal attention and continuity. They also tend to have more flexibility on rates for clients who can’t afford top-tier representation.

Average Total Cost of a Federal Criminal Defense in Philadelphia

Estimating the total cost of a federal criminal defense is difficult because each case has unique complexities. But most federal criminal matters in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania fall into the following general ranges:

• Investigation and grand jury representation: $5,000 – $25,000+
• Simple plea agreement: $10,000 – $50,000
• Complex plea agreement: $25,000 – $150,000+
• Bench trial: $50,000 – $200,000+
• Jury trial: $100,000 – $500,000+

Cases requiring extensive pretrial litigation, such as motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charges, will also fall at the higher end. And appeals after a conviction or sentence can cost an additional $25,000 to $100,000+.

For white collar federal cases like fraud, tax evasion, or embezzlement charges, total costs routinely exceed $100,000 even for a plea bargain. These cases often have voluminous discovery requiring sophisticated forensic analysis.

Federal drug trafficking, weapons, and certain violent crime cases tend to be less document-intensive. But they still carry substantial penalties, so thorough investigation and negotiation are a must.

What Impacts the Cost of Federal Criminal Defense

As you can see, the cost range for a federal criminal case is wide. The ultimate price depends on several key factors:

• Your charges and potential penalties – More serious charges equal higher stakes and more work for your lawyer.
• The complexity of your case – Factors like the amount of evidence, potential legal issues, and number of defendants make a case more complex.
• Whether your case goes to trial – Trials require extensive additional work like jury selection, witness preparation, evidence presentation, etc.
• The size of the law firm – Boutique firms tend to have lower overhead and bill at lower hourly rates.
• Your lawyer’s experience level – The more experienced the lawyer, the higher the hourly rate.

Your own actions as a client also impact costs. Cooperation and responsiveness enable your lawyer to work more efficiently. Unresponsiveness and distrust make the representation more challenging for your lawyer.

Reducing the Cost of Your Federal Criminal Defense

The good news is that there are ways to reduce the cost of your federal criminal defense without compromising on the quality of representation. Strategies to save on legal fees include:

• Hiring a respected solo practitioner or small firm attorney
• Being proactive and cooperative with your lawyer
• Having your case handled primarily by associates rather than senior attorneys
• Pursuing a plea agreement instead of trial when possible
• Asking your lawyer to identify unnecessary work that can be avoided
• Avoiding frequent calls and emails with your lawyer
• Organizing records and documents for your lawyer

You may also be able to negotiate a flat fee or discounted hourly rate, especially if your case is less complex. And your lawyer may allow you to pay in affordable monthly installments.

Can I Get a Federal Public Defender in Philadelphia?

If you cannot afford a private federal criminal defense lawyer, you may qualify for a court-appointed public defender from the Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This office provides high-quality legal representation to indigent defendants.

To get a public defender, you’ll need to demonstrate that you’re financially unable to hire your own attorney. The court will review your income, assets, expenses, and debt to determine if you’re eligible.

One downside of the public defender’s office is that they have high caseloads and limited resources compared to private firms. But federal defenders are generally excellent criminal defense attorneys committed to providing vigorous representation.

Find an Affordable Philadelphia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing federal criminal charges is daunting enough without the additional stress of legal fees you can’t afford. The skilled federal crime attorneys at My Firm provide aggressive representation at fair rates clients can manage.

We have over a decade of experience defending complex federal cases in Philadelphia and have achieved outstanding results for past clients facing serious charges. Our rates are well below those of “white shoe” mega firms without sacrificing personalized attention and high-quality legal work.