To be charged with a crime can be a stressful and trying time in anyone’s life. If you are facing charges, you have every right to retain a criminal justice lawyer. When charged, you can choose between a private lawyer and a public defender. If you choose a private lawyer, it does cost money. How much money it costs you will depend on several factors.
Experience
Your lawyer’s experience will factor into the cost. Recent law school graduates may charge you a lot less. After all, these lawyers tend to need experience. However, when you have a lawyer who doesn’t have the experience, he or she may struggle more with your case. If you have a particularly complex case, you probably want a lawyer who knows his or her way around that specific area of law and has a reputation for winning cases. If you have a lawyer with more experience, he or she will more likely charge more.
Location
Sometimes location can figure into the cost of a lawyer. In areas where the wages are higher or the cost of living is higher, you may see lawyers who have higher rates than others. You may want to consider where your lawyer is located. Sometimes, you can find a good lawyer at a lower rate in a town close enough to commute.
Charges
The complexity of your charges matter. If you have a complex case, it is going to take your lawyer more hours to build a case. You may have to have more conversations with your lawyer to figure out the basics of the case and the strategy to use in court. The more work that your lawyer has to do, the higher the price is going to be. If you have a simple, black and white case, your lawyer may not have to charge you as much for the work. He or she may be able to build a case much faster. If you do have a complex case, remember that a lawyer who has more experience and takes your case seriously is important.
Several factors could contribute to the cost of your lawyer. When you set up a consultation, you can discuss the lawyer’s pricing. Many attorneys will ask for a retainer fee up front. All other costs will be in your attorney-client agreement. When facing criminal charges, it’s best to set up a consultation with a lawyer, like a criminal lawyer in Civic Center San Francisco, CA from Hallinan Law Firm, as soon as possible.