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.

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.