How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost?

This guide covers typical criminal defense attorney rates, the factors that change them, and practical ways to compare quotes.

$1,500 - $15,000 per casetypical range

Most people pay about $1,500 to $15,000 for criminal defense, depending on the charge and how far the case proceeds. A minor misdemeanor may cost $1,000 to $3,000, while a serious felony trial can reach $25,000 to $100,000 or more.

Updated Sep 2026

Common jobs and what they cost

Job	What it involves	Typical range
Misdemeanor representation	Court appearances and negotiations	$1,000 - $3,500
DUI or first offense	Hearings, negotiation, and license issues	$1,500 - $6,000
Felony plea case	Investigation, motions, and plea work	$5,000 - $20,000
Felony trial	Jury preparation and courtroom trial	$15,000 - $50,000
Serious or federal case	Complex investigation and extended litigation	$25,000 - $100,000+

Ranges are typical, not quotes - the price for your job depends on scope and location, so always confirm with the provider.

What moves the price

The charge, criminal history, court location, and likely case length have the biggest effect on cost. A lawyer may charge a flat fee for a straightforward misdemeanor or bill hourly for a case involving extensive investigation, expert witnesses, electronic records, or multiple hearings.

Trial preparation costs more than negotiating a plea because it requires discovery review, motions, witness preparation, and courtroom time. Federal cases, serious felonies, and cases with several defendants usually require more work. Filing fees, investigators, experts, and transcript costs may be separate.

How to keep the cost down

Ask what the fee includes before hiring anyone, including court appearances, motions, trial work, payment timing, and likely extra expenses. Request a written agreement and ask whether unused funds are refundable. A public defender may be available if you qualify financially.

Prepare a clear timeline and gather charging papers, release documents, and relevant records so the initial review takes less time. Do not choose on price alone; ask about experience with the specific charge and communication expectations. Comparing two or three quotes from independently reviewed providers on Reedleys shows quickly whether a number is fair.

Price questions, answered

Do criminal defense attorneys require a deposit?

Often, yes. Many attorneys collect a retainer before beginning, while some straightforward matters use a fixed payment schedule.

Why do criminal defense quotes differ so much?

Quotes reflect the charge, lawyer experience, local court conditions, estimated hours, and whether the case is expected to end in a plea or go to trial.

Can a criminal defense attorney charge extra after quoting a flat fee?

Yes, if the agreement excludes specific work such as trial, appeals, experts, or unusual investigations. Ask for exclusions and approval requirements in writing.