Reducing the Costs of Your Federal Criminal Defense

Reducing the Costs of Your Federal Criminal Defense

Getting charged with a federal crime can be super scary. The costs of building a defense can seem crazy high. But there are some things you can do to try and lower those costs a bit. This article talks about some of those options so you can breathe a little easier.

Why You Need a Lawyer

I know some of you might be thinking – do I really need a lawyer? Can’t I just represent myself? The short answer is no, you absolutely need a lawyer. Federal charges are super serious – we’re talking years or even decades in prison here. You gotta have someone on your side who knows how to navigate the complex federal legal system.

Taking a wait and see approach puts you at a big disadvantage. You gotta start building your defense ASAP. The prosecutors are gonna be coming at you with everything they’ve got. You need someone to fight back.

How Much Will it Cost?

Ok, so you gotta lawyer up. But how much is this gonna set you back? Online articles say rates can range from like $100-$150 per hour on the low end, up to $500 or more per hour for the top dogs. The total costs can range anywhere from a couple grand for simple cases, to hundreds of thousands for big complex cases involving loads of documents and multiple defendants.

It really comes down to stuff like:

• How complex is your specific case?
• How many documents are involved?
• Are there multiple defendants?
• How experienced is your lawyer?
• Where is your lawyer located?

The more complex your case, the more it’s gonna cost. Experienced lawyers working in major cities like New York or DC charge higher rates. Simple, low-level crimes on the other hand might only be a few thousand bucks.

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

Ways to Reduce Costs

Ok, so hiring a top federal defense lawyer is expensive. What are some things you can do to reduce costs a bit? Here’s a few ideas:

• Hire a public defender – They’re free! But they are super overworked.
• Hire a less experienced lawyer – Lower hourly rates.
• Negotiate a flat fee upfront for the whole case.
• See if you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer based on income.
• Only use your lawyer for key events, do some research yourself.
• Ask if they offer payment plans or will accept credit cards.
• Opt for a bench trial instead of a jury trial.
• Plead guilty and avoid trial – but watch out for minimum sentences!

Some recent laws like the First Step Act have expanded access to public defenders for more people too.

Just remember – the costs of a good lawyer are high, but the costs of a conviction are way higher. Don’t let money tempt you into a bad defense. Prioritize your freedom and future over anything else.

Getting Financial Help

If you’ve exhausted all the options above and are still struggling with the costs, here are some ways to get financial help:

• Borrow money from family or friends.
• Take out a loan.
• Use credit cards (but watch out for high interest rates!).
• Set up a crowdfunding page and ask for donations.
• Look for local non-profits that assist with legal costs.
• See if the lawyer offers any pro bono services.

Having family or friends co-sign a loan can help get better terms, since your credit is probably shot right now. With crowdfunding, emphasize the injustice of your case to draw more donations.

Also don’t forget – any assets you have can be sold to help cover costs. Maybe that boat you have sitting in storage can finally be put to good use. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Final Thoughts

Federal charges are scary, I know. And building a top-notch legal defense is expensive, no way around it. But your freedom and reputation are on the line here. This is the time to beg, borrow and scrape together whatever you can to protect your future. Don’t take chances with a public defender or cheap lawyer. But also get creative with discounts, payment plans, loans and other ways to reduce costs. It won’t be easy, but this too shall pass. Stay strong!