If you are looking to appoint a criminal lawyer, you are likely wondering how much criminal defence lawyers cost. The amount varies depending on the lawyer you work with and the court system involved. Fees depend on whether you are hiring a private attorney or an attorney who works for the government and the severity of your crime.
You can better understand how much criminal defence could cost when speaking with your potential attorney. However, the prices depend on various factors that should be discussed with your lawyer during an initial consultation. Consider offering to pay upfront for their services so you know exactly what the costs will be rather than have them bill you later.
For example, working with an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Mississauga will probably cost more than working with a rookie. Successful law firms usually have higher prices because they can produce results and attract repeat business. The fees quoted by different lawyers should be similar if they are reputable attorneys who practice within the same area of law.
So What Is The Cost Of Hiring A Criminal Lawyer In The Greater Toronto Area?
There is no single answer to that question. The cost of hiring a criminal justice professional varies according to the gravity of the crime you are accused of committing, whether it is considered a misdemeanour or felony, and other factors. You can pay at least $1,000 for most misdemeanours, but you will likely spend more if you hire an attorney with experience with your type of case. The stakes are higher if you face a felony charge, which could affect your ability to work and maintain your living standards for the next several years. Most times, the cost of hiring a criminal lawyer in Mississauga can be much more than any other legal fees you have paid in the past.
Cost for a DUI:
The cost of appointing a criminal lawyer for a DUI (driving under the influence) charge will depend on your age and whether you have previous convictions. The minimum cost is $1,000, but it can quickly rise to several thousand dollars if there are aggravating circumstances or if you hire an attorney who is experienced with DUI cases. Some lawyers offer a flat rate of $2,000-$3,000 for a first offence. The price can depend on whether your attorney handles the case in court or you decide to plead guilty and pay a fine without going to trial.
Cost for Misdemeanor:
A misdemeanour charge will cost you less than a felony charge. The minimum cost of hiring a criminal lawyer in Mississauga for misdemeanours is $1,500-$2,000. However, there are cases where you might be required to pay more. For example, if you hire an attorney with experience with that type of case, the price will probably be higher.
However, expect to pay at least $1,000 for misdemeanours unless the case is weak or you face multiple charges. You can save money by pleading guilty and paying a fine without hiring an attorney, but that could cause a harsher sentence if other costs are involved. Criminal defence lawyers in Mississauga who work for the government might charge you less than attorneys in private practice.
If you are facing multiple charges, then there’s a good chance you will need to work with a criminal lawyer in Mississauga regularly. Consider working with an attorney who offers a flat rate for one particular case, but the cost might be higher. To get an idea of how much you’ll spend on criminal defence attorneys, think about how many times you will need them and what type of cases they will likely take on.
Cost for Felony:
Felony crimes and charges can vary widely depending on the severity of the crime you are accused of committing. The cost to hire a criminal lawyer in Mississauga for felony charges starts at $2,000 but might go up to tens of thousands if there is a strong case against you. Sometimes, drug possession charges that carry lengthy prison sentences could cost you $10,000 for the first offence.
When hiring a criminal lawyer, it’s best to find one with plenty of experience with your type of case and who offers reasonable rates. When you face felony charges, there is no room for mistakes. It may be worth negotiating legal fees if the attorney needs to gain experience with your case. Getting a criminal lawyer in Mississauga who will work on a contingency basis could help reduce the cost, but that’s usually reserved for civil cases involving personal injury or medical negligence.
At a minimum, expect to pay a few thousand dollars at any of the following stages of the defence process:
- Representation by an attorney at the police station
- Filing of legal paperwork with the court
- Arguing your case in court
- Post-conviction motions and appeals
- Representation during a grand jury investigation
Cost for Violation of Probation:
If you are already on probation, your attorney may not charge you for further violations. However, if the offence was severe or a second offence, you might need to hire a criminal lawyer in Mississauga to represent you. The cost of hiring an attorney for probation violation depends on whether the charge is criminal or civil. You can expect to pay $1,500-$2,000 if it is banned.
If the probation violation is considered civil, you can expect to pay an attorney $3,000-$4,000. The difference in cost largely depends on whether the offence was because of a severe or technical violation. Consider a different attorney if the breach is only because of a minor infraction because there is no need for legal representation in those situations.
You should expect to pay around $1,000-$2,000 for misdemeanours. That price will probably increase as the severity of the criminal charges in Mississauga increases. Hiring an attorney only once you have been formally charged with a crime is a good idea. You should also only give money once you and the attorney have signed a payment agreement.
When hiring a lawyer in Mississauga, it’s best to find one with plenty of experience with your type of case and who offers reasonable rates. When you face felony charges, there is no room for mistakes. It may be worth negotiating legal fees if the attorney needs to gain experience with your case. Getting a criminal lawyer in Mississauga who will work on a contingency basis could help reduce the cost, but that’s usually reserved for civil cases involving personal injury or medical negligence.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost for a Court Order/Warrant:
You could face arrest and criminal charges if you cannot comply with a court order. If this has happened and you need a criminal lawyer’s representation, it will cost around $500-$1,000. You should pay more money to your attorney if the violation is severe enough to result in jail time. If you are arrested, your first hearing will occur within 48 hours of the arrest. You can expect to pay $1,000-$2,000 at that first court appearance.
If you need to hire a criminal lawyer in Mississauga after receiving a warrant for your arrest on more serious charges, it could cost more than $4,000. This price can increase significantly if you need legal representation during grand jury proceedings or an internal investigation with law enforcement. If you are facing multiple criminal charges and want separate attorneys for each order, it might be best to request the help of two lawyers rather than one. A criminal attorney in Mississauga experienced with complicated cases such as yours should be able to give you more information about your situation.
Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Get Paid?
Criminal defence lawyers in Mississauga are paid when they win a case. The court system pays the attorney a percentage of what they have been able to recover from the defendant. Sometimes, this can add up to hundreds or even millions of dollars in money rescued.
Another source of income for criminal defence attorneys in Mississauga is if their client has won a lawsuit against a government agency and successfully sued them for damages.
Before hiring a criminal lawyer in Mississauga, it’s essential to consider your budget and whether you can afford legal representation with high rates or lengthy proceedings. You also need to ensure that the attorney you hire has experience with your type of case and any related procedural issues, such as post-conviction motions.
Looking For a Criminal Lawyer in Mississauga?
A criminal record can significantly damage your future, mainly if you apply for college or a job. If you need legal help to lift a criminal record, it may be best to consult a lawyer who can help fast-track the process.
Contact a law firm in Mississauga today to learn how they can help you expunge your criminal record.
Get In Touch:
If you want to know more about criminal defence lawyers in Mississauga or need legal representation for a pending case, it’s best to find someone who offers free consultations. That person will give you an idea of how much your claim could cost and whether they can represent you effectively. If the attorney doesn’t offer a free consultation before charging their fees, it’s best to look for someone else.