When in need of an attorney, most people tend to only look at costs. The problem some encounter is they are unable to pay for an attorney and don’t understand what their options are. What is the cost of hiring a lawyer? Many factors will determine how much someone is expected to pay, and understanding these factors is of great importance before proceeding.
The experience of an attorney is factored into the cost of representation. Attorneys with a proven track record of success tend to charge more than those who are fresh out of college. One thing to be wary of, however, is an extremely low rate for an attorney. In certain situations, it’s better to pay someone with experience a great deal more, as they may be able to resolve the issue in a shorter period of time. Not only will this save the defendant money, as they won’t be paying the less experienced attorney for more hours, it will also allow this person to move forward with life faster.
The complexity of the case also plays a role in the cost. Felonies come with greater penalties, thus lawyers charge more to handle these cases. This is due to the increased amount of work the attorney must take on, such as more court appearances, more evidence to sift through and things of that nature.
In addition, where the attorney operates needs to be taken into consideration. A lawyer working in a big firm in the center of New York City will likely charge more than a smaller firm on the outskirts of the city. This is do to the overhead for their location, and certain parts of the country have a higher cost of living than others. This plays a part in the fees charged.
As these factors vary by case, there is no standard legal fee that one can use to judge if they are being overcharged. It’s best to call a few attorneys for an initial consultation and discuss the fees during the meeting. At this time, a retainer may be expected, which isn’t unusual. Keep this in mind and hire an attorney quickly. In this situation, doing so is a wise choice.
