Criminal Defense Lawyer Costs (2026)
Criminal defense lawyers protect your constitutional rights when facing criminal charges. Costs vary dramatically based on charge severity, with misdemeanors at the low end and federal cases or murder charges at the high end.
Criminal Defense Services & Costs
DUI Lawyer Cost
$1,500 - $15,000
Flat Fee ($1,500-$15,000)
DUI defense costs depend on whether it's a first or repeat offense, BAC level, and whether there were injuries. Most DUI lawyers offer flat fee arrangements.
Felony Defense Cost
$5,000 - $100,000
Hourly ($200-$500/hr) or Flat Fee
Felony charges carry the most serious penalties including prison time. Defense costs reflect the stakes involved and complexity of mounting a defense.
Misdemeanor Defense Cost
$1,000 - $5,000
Flat Fee ($1,000-$5,000)
Misdemeanor charges are less serious than felonies but can still result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Most attorneys offer flat fee arrangements.
Drug Charges Lawyer Cost
$2,000 - $50,000
Flat Fee or Hourly
Drug charge defense costs vary dramatically between simple possession and distribution/trafficking charges. Federal drug cases are the most expensive to defend.
Assault Charges Lawyer Cost
$2,000 - $25,000
Flat Fee or Hourly
Assault charges range from simple misdemeanor assault to aggravated felony assault. Defense costs scale with charge severity and potential penalties.
Theft Charges Lawyer Cost
$1,000 - $15,000
Flat Fee ($1,000-$15,000)
Theft charge costs depend on the value of stolen property and whether charges are misdemeanor or felony. First-time offenders may qualify for diversion.
White Collar Crime Lawyer Cost
$10,000 - $500,000
Hourly ($300-$700/hr)
White collar criminal defense is among the most expensive due to document-intensive investigations, forensic accounting needs, and typically lengthy proceedings.
Federal Charges Lawyer Cost
$15,000 - $250,000
Hourly ($300-$600/hr)
Federal criminal defense requires specialized expertise in federal sentencing guidelines, mandatory minimums, and federal court procedures that differ significantly from state courts.
Expungement Cost
$500 - $5,000
Flat Fee ($500-$5,000)
Expungement seals or erases criminal records, improving employment and housing prospects. Costs are relatively low and most attorneys offer flat fees.
Bail Hearing Lawyer Cost
$500 - $5,000
Flat Fee ($500-$5,000)
Bail hearing attorneys argue for reduced bail amounts or release on recognizance. Quick action is essential as these hearings happen within 48-72 hours of arrest.
Common Questions About Criminal Defense Costs
How much does a DUI lawyer cost?
First offense DUI: $1,500-$5,000. Second offense: $3,500-$8,000. Third offense or felony DUI: $5,000-$15,000+.
How much does a felony lawyer cost?
Non-violent felonies: $5,000-$15,000. Violent felonies: $15,000-$50,000. Murder/capital cases: $50,000-$250,000+.
How much does a misdemeanor lawyer cost?
Most misdemeanor defense cases cost $1,000-$5,000 with a flat fee arrangement.
How much does a drug charge lawyer cost?
Simple possession: $2,000-$7,000. Distribution: $7,000-$25,000. Federal trafficking: $25,000-$100,000+.
How much does an assault lawyer cost?
Simple assault (misdemeanor): $2,000-$5,000. Aggravated assault (felony): $5,000-$25,000+.
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