How Much Does A Criminal Defense Lawyers Cost in North Carolina?

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

This might be your first question if you are accused of a crime. 

The cost of a criminal defense lawyer in North Carolina depends on various factors in your case.

An attorney can only determine the cost of their services once they talk to you about the details of your charges.

Criminal defense attorney fees can increase due to the complexity of a case or the distance between the attorney and the courthouse with jurisdiction over the case.

Our team at Tetterton Law Firm, PLLC, offers free consultations where we can discuss your case and your fee arrangement.

Contact our office online or call (252) 728-1373 today to schedule a case evaluation with one of our criminal defense lawyers.

How Much Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Cost?

So, how much is a defense attorney? It is almost impossible to determine how much a criminal defense lawyer will cost before they examine the circumstances of your charges.

Things that can affect attorney fees include:

• Seriousness of the charges;
• Complexity of the case;
• Number of separate charges;
• Experience defending a particular criminal charge;
• Difficulty of legal or factual issues in the case;
• Likelihood the case will go to trial; and
• Amount of time and attention the case will require.

In most cases, the client is responsible for litigation costs like filing and expert witness fees.

When you hire an attorney, they will lay out when their representation begins and ends. The attorney may need to re-evaluate their fee if additional charges arise during representation.

When Do I Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

You should hire a criminal defense lawyer anytime you suspect that law enforcement is investigating you for a criminal offense. That does not necessarily mean waiting until the prosecutor formally charges you.

In most cases, police conduct a thorough investigation before presenting their case to the prosecutor to file charges. You need a defense attorney when your name comes up on law enforcement’s radar.

You should refuse to attend interviews regarding criminal accusations without your criminal defense lawyer in the room.

Although you may want to tell officers your side of the story and clear your name, law enforcement can twist your words and use them to secure a conviction.

Is It Worth Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

An experienced defense attorney can mean the difference between spending time in jail and returning home with your family.

A qualified North Carolina defense attorney can help your case by:

• Outlining your legal rights during the investigative process;
• Creating a robust legal strategy to defeat your charges;
• Highlighting the weaknesses in the state’s case against you;
• Gathering evidence that proves your innocence; and
• Negotiating with the prosecuting attorney on your behalf.

Some people defend themselves against criminal charges to save money on legal fees. However, representing yourself can cost more money in the long run than hiring an experienced attorney to protect your rights.

An attorney can use their knowledge and resources to reduce or dismiss your charges, if possible. 

How Much Does a Defense Attorney Cost in North Carolina? Contact Us Today to Find Out

Every defense lawyer charges different fees depending on the specific details of each case.

Our criminal lawyers at Tetterton Law Firm, PLLC, have expertise in defending clients against different types of criminal charges. We accept debit cards, cash, and major credit cards, including Visa™, MasterCard™, and Discover Card™.

We offer payment plans, so you do not have to pay your entire bill in one transaction. Our team is committed to providing our clients with high-quality representation and sound legal advice for a fair price.

Contact us online or call (252) 728-1373 today to discuss representation with a skilled defense lawyer. Typically, we can give you a quote for legal services after an initial consultation.