Paying for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Sacramento

Getting arrested and charged with a crime in Sacramento can be an incredibly stressful and scary experience. The prospect of facing criminal penalties like jail time, fines, probation, or a criminal record is daunting. While you may be tempted to handle your criminal case alone to save money, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

But how much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Sacramento? And how can you pay for legal representation if you are facing criminal charges? This article provides an overview of attorney fees, pricing, and payment options when hiring a criminal defense lawyer in the Sacramento area.

Typical Attorney Fees for Criminal Cases

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer can vary greatly depending on the attorney’s experience, the complexity of your case, and the law firm’s rates. Some key factors that influence cost include:

• Type of Crime: In general, more serious felonies like murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking carry higher attorney fees than misdemeanors like petty theft, simple assault, and DUI. White collar crimes like fraud and embezzlement also tend to have higher fees.
• Experience Level: Attorneys with decades of criminal defense experience or who are partners at prestigious firms typically charge higher hourly rates or retainer fees compared to less experienced lawyers.
• Law Firm Reputation: Well-known criminal defense firms with stellar track records often have higher rates than small, boutique practices.
• Case Complexity: Factors like multiple charges, copious evidence, expert witnesses, and trial likelihood increase the time and resources required for an effective defense. More complex cases equal higher legal fees.

To give you a general idea of pricing, solo practitioners and small firms in Sacramento often charge between $150 to $350 per hour. Large firms and very experienced attorneys can charge from $350 to $800+ per hour.

For a straightforward misdemeanor, total fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000+. Serious or complex felonies often cost between $10,000 to $100,000+ in legal fees depending on the charges and details of the case.

Understanding Fee Structures & Agreements

Criminal defense attorneys use different fee structures and billing methods, including:

• Hourly: You pay an agreed upon hourly rate for the time the lawyer works on your case. This is the most common fee structure.
• Flat Fee: You pay a fixed, pre-determined amount for the entire case, no matter how long it takes. This provides cost predictability.
• Retainer: You pay an upfront lump sum that the lawyer draws from as they work on your case. You replenish the retainer balance as needed.
• Contingency: The lawyer only collects their fee if you win your case. This is rare in criminal law.

Make sure you understand exactly what is included in the lawyer’s fee, what additional costs you may need to pay, and get the fee agreement in writing as required for fees over $1,000. Ask if any funds are refundable if the attorney withdraws or you terminate the relationship.