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Last Modified on Dec 18, 2025
Facing criminal charges is a serious matter, regardless of whether they are for felony or misdemeanor offenses. Your reputation, livelihood, and future can all be impacted. You need strong representation to secure a favorable outcome in your case, but you may be wondering whether you can afford an attorney. So, how much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in California?
The cost of working with a skilled attorney can vary depending on several factors, including the attorney’s experience, the case’s complexity, and the types of fees associated with your case. Understanding these factors is important as you consider the benefits of securing strong representation.
The Experience of the Lawyer
The cost of hiring an attorney will largely depend on their experience, especially if they have been practicing in the local area for most of their career. Any short-term savings you get by hiring an inexperienced lawyer can be outweighed by the long-term consequences of an unsuccessful defense.
An experienced lawyer will likely be familiar with prosecutors’ tactics, the local courts’ procedures, and the state’s criminal defense laws. Though the cost of an experienced attorney may be initially higher, their knowledge and network may be more beneficial to the outcome of your case, saving you much more in the long run.
Complexity of the Case
The complexity of your case will also determine the cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney. Complicated cases—like felonies or those involving multiple charges—typically come with higher costs than simpler cases. These cases typically involve more detailed research, additional investigation, multiple court appearances, and lengthier trials if they get that far.
Standard felony cases can cost up to $25,000 or more. On top of your attorney’s fees, you may also have to pay a retainer and the cost of any professional advisors your legal team may need to hire as part of the criminal defense strategy.
Types of Attorney Fees
In criminal defense cases, attorney fees typically fall under one of two structures—flat or hourly rates. For straightforward cases like misdemeanors, lawyers usually offer a flat rate because the cases are less demanding. Defendants usually pay this fee up front and aren’t expected to cover any additional costs incurred during their case.
For more complicated cases, most attorneys bill hourly. Under this structure, you can expect to pay an up-front retainer fee and then additional fees depending on how much work your attorney has to put into your case.
Why Defense Lawyers Don’t Offer Contingency Fee Agreements
If you are familiar with personal injury law, you have likely heard of attorneys working on a contingency fee basis. These fees are typically a percentage of the award a plaintiff receives for their injuries. However, that is not an option in criminal defense. Under the California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.5, defense attorneys cannot charge contingency fees for criminal cases.
This is for two reasons. First, contingency fees are impractical in criminal defense cases. Since defendants do not recover compensation, there is no award from which to take a percentage. Additionally, there are potential ethical dilemmas when a lawyer’s payment is tied directly to their success. This can create a conflict of interest that may lead an attorney to convince a client to go to trial or deny a plea deal that might otherwise be more appropriate for the client.
Other Types of Fees in Criminal Defense Cases
In addition to attorney’s fees, you may also incur additional costs in your criminal case, which may include:
- Bail
- Court filing fees
- Professional consultation (especially if your case goes to trial)
Speak with your criminal defense attorney during your initial consultation to get a better understanding of what their fees cover and what else you can expect to pay for, so there are no surprises.
FAQs
How Much Does a Criminal Attorney Cost in California?
The cost of a criminal attorney in California varies case by case. Typically, you can expect to pay $150 to $350 per hour or more, depending on the complexity of the case and your attorney’s experience. There may be additional costs to your case, including a retainer and the fees for professionals who may have to testify on your behalf.
How Do You Afford a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
After you do your research to find an experienced attorney near you, contact them to discuss your case and inquire about their fees. At that point, you can ask them about options for a payment plan. You can also look into local or state-wide nonprofits that offer legal services on a sliding-scale basis. Keep in mind that the court will provide you with a lawyer if you cannot afford one.
Do You Pay a Lawyer Before or After Court?
If you are paying a flat rate, you will typically pay your attorney before court. If the lawyer is working on an hourly rate, you can expect to pay a retainer up front and additional fees as the case progresses. If you work out a payment plan with your attorney, you might pay them both before and after court.
What Happens if You Can’t Afford a Lawyer in a Criminal Case?
If you can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer, the court will provide one to you. The Sixth Amendment of the Constitution guarantees you the right to legal representation, and California state law has additional provisions protecting this right. You can also research nonprofits that offer legal services at no cost or at discounted rates.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer From the Carlos Navarrete Law Firm
If you are charged with a crime in California, it is important to act fast and contact a criminal defense lawyer right away. Everything you do after being charged can impact your case. Stay calm, remain silent, and request to speak with your lawyer. Hiring the right lawyer can be the difference between conviction and acquittal. Contact us to hire a criminal defense lawyer from the Carlos Navarrete Law Firm.
