Felony Defense Cost (2026)
Fee Type
Hourly ($200-$500/hr) or Flat Fee
Cost Range
$5,000 - $100,000
National Average
$25,000
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Overview
Felony charges carry the most serious penalties including prison time. Defense costs reflect the stakes involved and complexity of mounting a defense.
What Affects the Cost
- Felony class/severity
- Potential prison time
- Evidence complexity
- Expert witnesses needed
- Number of charges
- Plea vs trial
- Federal vs state
Cost by State
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $4,100 | $20,500 | $82,000 |
| Alaska | $5,750 | $28,750 | $115,000 |
| Arizona | $4,750 | $23,750 | $95,000 |
| Arkansas | $4,000 | $20,000 | $80,000 |
| California | $7,250 | $36,250 | $145,000 |
| Colorado | $5,500 | $27,500 | $110,000 |
| Connecticut | $6,250 | $31,250 | $125,000 |
| Delaware | $5,500 | $27,500 | $110,000 |
| Florida | $5,250 | $26,250 | $105,000 |
| Georgia | $4,750 | $23,750 | $95,000 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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+.
Should I use a public defender for a felony?
Public defenders are competent but overloaded. If you can afford private counsel for a serious felony, the dedicated attention is valuable.
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