How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Georgia?

People often inquire about the price of something before they decide to purchase it. That’s especially true when something is more expensive. You take the time to really consider the price of a car compared to a hamburger. Therefore, it makes sense that you would want to understand the cost of a criminal defense lawyer before deciding to hire one. However, just considering the cost would be rash. It’s important to first consider what it is you are paying for when you hire a criminal defense lawyer. The truth is, it’s not possible to say exactly what a lawyer will cost in Georgia because it’s different for different lawyers. First, you will want to consider what you are looking for in a criminal defense lawyer and balance that against the costs of that attorney.

What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Does

The job of a criminal defense lawyer is to represent and advise you through the legal process. They can help you with several different matters, including:

• How to avoid self-incrimination
• Your options for trial or a possible plea deal
• The status of their investigation and defensive strategies
• Realistic expectations for outcomes and possible sentencing

What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Lawyer

There are a few different things you may want to look for in a criminal defense lawyer, including:

• Experience – You want a lawyer who knows what they’re doing. Experience means a lawyer has been to trial, has an understanding of what the prosecution may attempt to do, and can develop a defensive strategy to address the prosecution’s case.
• Quick Thinking – There is a lot going on in a trial. You need a lawyer who is able to take in everything that is going on and react to it. The prosecution may very well leave holes in their case, and you need a lawyer quick enough to recognize those holes and use them to give the jury a reasonable doubt regarding the prosecution’s claims.
• Attention to Detail – Movies make it seem like trials are won based on some grand gesture and revelation of evidence. That’s fine for Hollywood, but trials are often won in much smaller ways. It’s the fine details of the claims of the prosecution that can be addressed by a criminal defense attorney. If they can bring doubt to enough of the finer details, the whole claim begins to seem less plausible.
• Trust – Criminal charges come with serious, often life-changing consequences. This can be a stressful situation, as the defendant puts so much of their life in the hands of the defense lawyer. You want to have someone you trust in that situation. You need to believe that the lawyer can put forth a good-faith effort to do everything they can on your behalf.

Cost Factors

There are a few different factors that determine how much a criminal defense attorney is going to cost. Some of the cost factors include:

• The Case Going to Trial – The longer the case goes on, the more that the lawyer’s time is going to be involved in managing the case. Your lawyer may try to get the case dismissed before even going to trial. It’s also possible that you may be offered a plea bargain, which avoids trial and can reduce your cost.
• Years of Experience – Lawyers with more experience tend to charge a little more because that experience can be beneficial to the defense’s case.
• Skill – A lawyer who can demonstrate a high level of skill, usually through their trial record, may charge more for their ability.
• The Charges – The more serious the charges and potential penalty, the more attention and time the case is going to take. It’s generally the case that murder charges will bear a higher cost than a misdemeanor.
• Complexity – If a case is more complex, then a lawyer is going to need to take more time investigating the case, attempting to understand the prosecution’s argument, and putting together an aggressive defensive strategy.
• Expert Witnesses – In particularly complex cases, expert witnesses may be called in to testify in your favor. These witnesses are typically paid for their efforts.

FAQs About Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Georgia

What Qualities Should My Criminal Defense Attorney Have?

In representing you, a criminal defense lawyer needs to have several critical skills. First, they must be able to conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. They must also anticipate the arguments that the prosecution will make and prepare a defense for them. The prosecution needs to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It’s the job of a criminal defense lawyer to try to instill in the jury that doubt.

Do Attorneys Work on a Flat Fee or Hourly?

In some cases, for more straightforward charges or situations, a lawyer may choose to offer a flat fee to handle the case. More often, though, lawyers charge an hourly rate because there can be a lot of variability as to how much time investment will be necessary. A lawyer who works on an hourly rate may often require a retainer fee to be paid before they agree to the case. This is a fee that covers a certain number of hours worked on the case. For any time after that, the hourly rate will be charged.

How Do I Pay My Lawyer?

Every lawyer takes payments in whatever manner they are comfortable with. For some, this means getting an upfront payment of an entire flat fee. Others may want an upfront rate and the rest paid later. Payment plans are an option offered by some attorneys. There are also those who will want a retainer up front and an hourly rate from that point onward.

What Is a Public Defender?

According to the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to be provided with a defense attorney in your criminal case free of charge if you cannot afford one. However, as with everything in life, the things that you pay for tend to be better than something that’s free. Public defenders are usually overworked and cannot fully devote themselves to your case. If you can find a way to raise the funds, hiring your own lawyer can give you a much better chance of winning your case.

Get a Better Defense

When you hire your lawyer, you get to choose who defends you. Given the potential consequences of criminal charges, you need to fully trust whoever is representing you. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges and looking for a criminal defense legal team that you can depend on, contact Miller North & Brill today.