The cost of an attorney can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of legal matter, the attorney’s experience and reputation, geographical location, and the complexity of the case.
How Much Will I Pay?
Unlike civil attorneys, most criminal defense firms may not have set fees for the different services provided so the cost of an attorney will vary depending on a lot of factors.
Whether an attorney charges a small fee, or a huge sum of money will depend on what’s reasonable when considering the circumstances of the case Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.04(b) sets forth the following in dealing with cost for hiring an attorney.
Factor To Consider in Hiring
Factors that may be considered in determining the reasonableness of a fee include, but not to the exclusion of other relevant factors when looking at the cost of an attorney:
- The time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly.
- The likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer.
- The fee that is customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services.
- The amount involved, and the results obtained.
- The time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances.
- The nature and length of the professional relationship with the client.
- The experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services; and
- Whether the fee is fixed or contingent on results obtained or uncertainty of collection before the legal services have been rendered.
Check The Attorney’s Record of Results
The cost of an attorney can often be the ultimate factor in determining who to hire as counsel. But, be sure to check on the attorney’s track record in cases similar to yours and look for positive results.
Clients often find themselves changing employment due to the nature of the charge, pretrial confinement or strict conditions of a court-ordered condition of posting bail bond which makes their current work no longer feasible.
Thinking about hiring an attorney for a criminal case? Contact us today to schedule a one-on-one consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.
Next, we’ll look at signing an agreement with an attorney.
