A criminal charge can impact your future, freedom, and finances. If you are facing charges in Texas, hiring a skilled defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make. But how much does a criminal defense lawyer cost? The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the attorney’s experience, and whether your case goes to trial.
Factors That Affect Criminal Defense Costs
The cost of legal representation varies depending on your case. Here are some key factors that determine how much you might pay for a criminal defense lawyer in Texas.
Type of Criminal Charges Misdemeanors generally cost less to defend than felony charges. The more severe and complex the case, the more time and resources your lawyer will need to devote to it.
Attorney’s Experience and Reputation More experienced attorneys often charge higher fees due to their track record of success and knowledge of the legal system.
Case Complexity If your case involves multiple charges, a long investigation, or expert witnesses, the costs will likely be higher.
Court Fees and Additional Costs Aside from attorney fees, you may also have to pay for court filing fees, expert witness fees, and other legal expenses.
How Attorneys Charge for Criminal Defense Cases
Criminal defense attorneys in Texas typically charge in one of two ways: flat fees or hourly rates.
Flat Fees Some attorneys offer flat fees for specific charges. For example:
- Misdemeanor cases: $3,000 – $10,000
- Felony cases: $7,000 – $70,000
If a case goes to trial, costs can increase by several thousand dollars.
Hourly Rates Hourly rates vary based on experience and case complexity:
- Low-end: $200 per hour
- Average: $300 per hour
- High-end: $750 per hour
Payment Plans and Legal Costs
Many criminal defense lawyers offer payment plans to make legal services more affordable. Payment plans vary, but they typically require an initial retainer fee followed by scheduled payments.
Cost of Defending Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanor charges are generally less expensive to defend than felonies. Here’s a breakdown of common misdemeanor offenses and their associated legal costs:
Class A Misdemeanor
- Maximum punishment: 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine
- Examples: Assault, theft under $2,500, violating a protective order
- Legal fees: $2,500 – $8,000
Class B Misdemeanor
- Maximum punishment: 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine
- Examples: Indecent exposure, possession of small amounts of marijuana
- Legal fees: $2,500 – $6,000
Cost of Defending Felony Charges
Felony charges are more serious and require extensive legal work, making them more expensive to defend.
First-Degree Felony
- Punishment: 5 to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Examples: Aggravated sexual assault, large-scale theft
- Legal fees: $10,000 – $50,000
Second-Degree Felony
- Punishment: 2 to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
- Examples: Aggravated assault, theft of property over $150,000
- Legal fees: $10,000 – $30,000
DWI Defense Costs
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges can be costly, even for first-time offenders.
- Misdemeanor DWI: $3,000 – $10,000
- Felony DWI (repeat offenses or injury cases): $10,000+
Call Gallian Firm For Criminal Defense
Facing criminal charges in Texas can be overwhelming, but hiring the right defense attorney can make all the difference. If you are charged with a crime in Dallas, call Gallian Firm at (214) 432-8860 for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will review your case and discuss payment options to help you get the best defense possible.