If your loved one has been accused of a crime, you may be feeling very worried and confused about what to do next. Being charged with a crime is serious and can result in some very serious consequences if you are convicted.
If you anticipate being charged or have already been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Orange County, California, you need an experienced and compassionate attorney. However, many people are concerned about the costs of hiring an attorney to represent them. There’s no set fee for how much a criminal defense lawyer will cost in Orange County, CA, but there are elements of a case that can make it cost more or less.
At The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, we provide comprehensive legal counsel to our clients at a fair cost. We work hard to achieve the best possible results in every criminal case we handle. We also understand that being arrested is expensive. Between bail and penalties, people who go through the legal system often have to pay other types of costs. Because of this, we work with you to develop fair payment plans.
Criminal Lawyer Costs in in California
Criminal defense lawyers in California cost anywhere from $200 to $500 an hour on average, but courtroom experience, time practicing, and other factors may affect these costs. If the price of your criminal lawyer is a concern for you, then contact the law firm you want to work with to get a full understanding of the likely cost of representation of your specific case. No one case costs the same as another.
Many people may be under the impression that all criminal defense lawyers charge high rates, but this is not always the case. Many criminal defense lawyers work on a sliding scale or have payment plans available. When evaluating if a criminal defense lawyer is right for you, it is important to consider how good representation could lead you to a potentially lighter sentence and result in significant savings with both time and money.
While the cost of a criminal defense lawyer’s average hourly rate in California may seem high at first glance and potentially even out of your budget, there is more to consider than the price tag when hiring someone to help you through this difficult time. The price of your criminal defense lawyer may be significantly lower than the potential penalties you may face if you are convicted of a crime. It could also mean a lower sentence. These would ultimately save you a significant amount of money and your time. Hiring an experienced and qualified criminal defense lawyer is definitely a wise investment, and what you save could be incalculable.
Is a Criminal Defense Attorney Better Than a Public Defender?
Hiring a defense attorney will provide you with the best available defenses against current or pending charges. Legal fees are not the only cost you should consider when hiring a criminal lawyer, as there is also a serious human cost to consider. If you are convicted of a crime, then you will need an attorney on your side to fight for you and provide you with a clear, concise defense.
While it is possible to work with a public defender, it is likely not your best option. The benefits of working with a public defender, aside from the cost-savings, is that they tend to have experience with a wide range of crimes and a good report with the prosecutors and judges. However, that’s not always the case, and you don’t get to choose your public defender. The one who gets your case could be brand new, have hundreds of other cases, or simply have no experience in the type of crime you are charged with.
Keep in mind, too, that even the best public defender is a government employee. While they are there to give you the best possible defense, it is the best defense they are capable of and not the best defense available.
Discuss Your Case with the Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman
The team at The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman can provide you or your loved one’s excellent defense counsel for Orange County, California, and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you understand your legal options. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer.
FAQs About Criminal Lawyer Charge in California
The cost of a criminal lawyer varies depending on the severity of the crime, previous convictions and record of the person charged, and whether other crimes were committed in the act – among other factors. While there is no set cost, a criminal lawyer in California usually costs between $250-$500 per hour. Orange County, CA criminal lawyers are about the same cost as California state’s averages.
California defense attorney fees tend to be higher than in other states, but there is no set cost. A public defender will work to defend you for no cost, but you could pay more in court fees and have longer sentencing. Though public defenders are often experienced attorneys, they seldom have the time to devote as much attention as is necessary to one case.
If you work with an experienced legal team, they likely cost more than a newly opened criminal law firm. However, experience is crucial if you’ve been charged with a crime in Orange County, CA. You can also consider a public defender at no cost, but you may not get optimal defense, especially if your case is complex.
From our experience, not having a criminal defense attorney is more expensive than hiring one. From court costs, bail, time in jail or prison, having a poor criminal defense can cost you both money and years. While the costs may seem high, they are worth the cost. If it is more than you can afford, discuss your case with our office for options.
