How much will a criminal defense lawyer cost for my case in New York?

How Much Will a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost for My Case in New York?

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer in New York can be an expensive endeavor, but it is often a necessary investment when facing criminal charges. The costs vary widely depending on factors like the severity of the charges, the experience of the attorney, and how much legal work is required for the case. This article will provide an overview of average costs and pricing structures so you can get an idea of what to expect when hiring a criminal defense lawyer in New York.

Average Costs

In New York, the average cost of a criminal defense lawyer ranges from $2,000 to $100,000+ for a case taken to trial. However, most cases do not go to trial. For pre-trial work alone, average costs are:

• $3,000 – $7,500 for a misdemeanor
• $7,500 – $25,000 for a non-violent felony
• $25,000+ for a violent felony

According to surveys, typical hourly rates for criminal defense lawyers in New York range from $200-$500 per hour. Rates on the higher end are typically charged by attorneys with decades of experience or those who handle high-profile or complex cases. Attorneys who are newer to practice often charge rates on the lower end of the spectrum.

What Impacts the Cost

There are several key factors that influence how much you can expect to pay for a criminal defense lawyer in New York:

• Type of Charges – More serious felonies or complex federal cases cost more to defend than minor misdemeanors.
• Experience of the Lawyer – Attorneys with more experience or specialty expertise often charge higher rates.
• Reputation of the Law Firm – Large, prestigious firms cost more than small, independent practices.
• Location – Rates are typically higher in large metro areas like New York City.
• Amount of Work Required – Cases that go to trial or have extensive motions require more lawyer time.

As you consider different attorneys, get quotes that account for these factors so you can accurately compare costs.

Pricing Structures

Criminal defense attorneys use different pricing models – it’s important to understand how each works when evaluating lawyers to hire:

Hourly Billing

With hourly billing, you pay an agreed-upon hourly rate for the time the lawyer works on your case. Rates often range from $200-$500+ per hour. You’ll receive regular invoices outlining the work done and fees accrued. The benefit is you only pay for work performed, but the downside is the total cost is unpredictable. Hourly billing is most common for pre-trial work.

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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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Flat Fees

For a flat fee, the lawyer charges one fixed price for handling an entire case or specific parts of it. This provides cost certainty but can be less flexible. Common flat fees are:

• $2,000-$5,000 for a misdemeanor taken through trial
• $5,000-$15,000 for a basic felony taken through trial
• $15,000-$50,000+ for serious or complex felonies taken through trial

Flat fees just for pre-trial work are also common.

Retainers

A retainer is a upfront lump sum payment that acts as a credit to be billed against later. The lawyer deducts their hourly fees from the retainer as work is performed. Common retainer amounts are $3,000-$10,000 for a misdemeanor case and $15,000-$100,000+ for a felony, depending on the charges. The unused portion of the retainer is refunded to you if any remains at the end of the case.

Pro Bono & Low-Cost Defense

If you cannot afford a private criminal defense lawyer, there are some options for free or reduced-cost representation in New York:

• The court can appoint you a public defender if you qualify based on income eligibility guidelines.
• Some non-profit legal aid organizations like New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) provide free or low-cost defense for those who qualify.
• Look for law school clinics that may take cases at no cost under supervision of professors and law students.
• Search for pro bono programs through bar associations and legal groups like the New York State Bar Association.

Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney

To find the best criminal defense lawyer for your case and budget, be sure to ask these key questions:

• What is your experience handling cases similar to mine?
• What pricing models do you offer? What are your rates/fees?
• What is included in your fees? What could cause them to increase?
• How do you keep clients updated on costs throughout a case?
• Can you provide references from past clients I can contact?
• Do you offer payment plans or options for those with financial limitations?

Hiring the right criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. While costs are a major factor, focus your search on lawyers with the experience and track record to provide the strongest defense. Thoroughly understand fee structures and get cost estimates upfront so there are no surprises down the road.

References

Learn more here:

• How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in New York? – Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC
• Fees – Cody Warner, P.C.
• Fees – The Law Offices of Lance L. Fletcher, NY Criminal Defense Attorney
• How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in New York?
• How Much Does A Criminal Lawyer Cost? – LaMarche Safranko Law
• 2023 How Much Does a NYC Criminal Lawyer Cost? – The Vitaliano Law Firm