It can be difficult to know what steps to take when you’ve been charged with a crime. Navigating the legal system without the help of a legal professional can significantly affect the outcome of your case. If you plan to hire a criminal lawyer in the state of Florida, it’s important to know what you can expect to pay for the legal services.
The Cost of the Services
The cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer is an average of $2,000 to $3,500, depending on the experience of the professional. This is the average cost for first-degree misdemeanors. If you want to spend less money, there are cheaper lawyers available for $1,000. Some legal professionals that have a higher level of experience can charge an average of $5,000.
This is the type of lawyer you should hire if you’re charged with domestic violence, possession of marijuana, or resisting arrest.
If you’re charged with a second-degree misdemeanor, you’ll be charged an average of $1,500 to $3,500. This is for crimes that include disorderly conduct, petit theft, and trespassing. Some legal professionals with less experience will charge as low as $750. More expensive attorneys will charge $4,000 to $5,000.
For felony or third-degree charges, a criminal defense lawyer charges an average of $3,500 to $10,000. The cost of the legal services for first-degree felonies ranges from $35,000 to $100,000.
Avoid Hiring the Cheapest Attorney
Although you may want to spend less for the legal services you receive, this can result in harsher consequences if you don’t have a qualified legal professional that is representing you. You can end up in jail if you opt for hiring a lawyer that is less experienced and doesn’t spend enough time reviewing your case. Hiring a qualified legal professional can allow you to understand your rights and have a stronger case as the lawyer evaluates the evidence.
It’s not worth sacrificing your civil liberties to save money when you’re facing charges. It’s important to hire a lawyer that has handled similar cases and doesn’t have too many caseloads to ensure they can give your case more attention.