The cost of hiring a criminal lawyer in Michigan: What to expect

The American justice system can be particularly harsh on people facing criminal charges, irrespective of whether those charges are benign or severe. Getting entangled in the entire process of arrest, investigation, plea bargains, negotiation, and arraignment can have a heavy emotional and financial toll on people.

Most people aren’t even aware of their right to better prepare or defend themselves against these charges. It is foolish to expect a fair day in court if you aren’t represented by a seasoned Criminal Lawyer in Michigan. A criminal defense lawyer understands the justice system better than you ever can. They can use their expertise in this area to advocate for your rights in the court and mediate at your behest with the prosecutors.

You can expect them to get the charges against you reduced or dropped altogether. Simply put, a lawyer is the only thing standing between you and serious jail time or penalties. That being said, a criminal defense lawyer won’t offer his/her services to you for free.

So how much does a criminal defense attorney cost? That is the question we intend to answer with the help of this comprehensive guide today. We’ll walk you through the various fee structures that lawyers adhere to across America, explain the factors that can affect how much you pay a lawyer, and leave you with a few tips on how you can fund your cost of legal representation.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

Most attorneys will take the following factors into consideration when determining their fees.

1. Complexity of the Case

Complex criminal charges involve extensive investigation and research from the lawyer. In the case of a DUI arrest, a lawyer might need to hire a private investigator or seek out expert witnesses. So a lawyer will charge more to handle such cases.

2. Severity of the Case

The gravity of the charges against you can also significantly influence criminal defense attorney fees. A lawyer representing a client against a misdemeanor charge will cost less than if the same lawyer was representing you in a case involving a serious felony.

3. Experience of the Attorney

Experienced attorneys with a long track record of wins in the court will cost way more than an inexperienced lawyer in the region. You might be tempted to go with inexperienced lawyers to cut costs. However, we highly recommend choosing a seasoned attorney, as you’ll have the best chance of avoiding punishment.

4. Reputation of the Attorney

A seasoned attorney with a good reputation in the industry will charge more for his/her services than a lawyer with no goodwill to their name.

5. Geographical Location

Attorney fees vary from state to state across America. You can expect a lawyer in big cities to charge more than an attorney in rural regions.

6. Type of Fee Structure

The type of fee structure lawyers adheres to can also determine what they will charge for legal representation. We’ll explain this in further detail below.

Types of Fee Structures Used by Criminal Defense Attorneys

There are multiple fee structures that lawyers adhere to. You’ll find lawyers across America that adhere to the following fee structures

• Hourly Rate
• Flat Fee
• Contingency Fee
• Retainer Fee

The best fee structure out of the above will be the one that best suits your unique circumstances. Being home to the best criminal lawyer in Michigan, allow us at Coppins Law Group to give you an in-depth look into each structure.

1.Hourly Rate

Many lawyers bill their clients by the hour. Attorneys that charge an hourly rate typically choose to do so if they feel a particular case is pretty complex. They want the leeway that this fee structure offers to go to any extent to defend their clients.

Lawyers will take all the paperwork and consultation done in the office as well as the time spent in court to determine how much they’ll charge. The hourly rate that a criminal lawyer in Michigan may charge depends upon the factors discussed in this article.

Hourly rates are a great option for you if you expect your case to resolve quickly. If your case goes on for too long, however, you could end up paying more than initially expected.

2.Flat Fee

Many attorneys charge a flat fee for their services. In such a scenario, the attorney will negotiate his fee with the client and only take up the case if they’ve come to a mutual agreement. A flat fee is typically charged by attorneys for cases that involve lesser offenses like petty theft, drug possession, or DUI.

A lawyer may charge a lower flat fee for minor offenses like misdemeanor charges, or driving infractions. On the other hand, criminal attorney fees may charge much more for handling cases involving serious felony charges.

The biggest advantage of this fee structure is the fact that you know exactly how much you are being charged for legal representation. There is no chance of the lawyer catching you off guard with surprise bills. You can count on the attorney to work for you, irrespective of whether the hours they’ve worked exceed the amount they’ve been paid.

A major downside of this fee structure is that you may feel like you’ve paid more if the case resolves quickly. 

3. Contingency Fee

Contingency fee is the amount paid to a lawyer if the case is successful. In such scenarios, a clear definition of success and the total amount to be paid is first determined before taking up the case. A lawyer will first study the case and determine whether a contingency fee would be appropriate. 

A lawyer will then determine the risk associated with the case, assess the litigation cost, identify who will pay them, and study state and federal laws surrounding legal fees before quoting a percentage that they deem fair.

An obvious advantage of the contingency fee is that it is a strong motivator for the lawyer to win the case. On the other hand, the risk that the lawyer is taking might not be worth the high contingency fee you’ve agreed upon.

It is also important to note that criminal lawyers in Michigan are prohibited from accepting contingency fees from their clients.

4. Retainer Fee

Retainer is an upfront fee or a deposit that some lawyers may demand before taking up a case. The retainer amount is usually based on the hourly rate charged by the lawyer. For instance, if a lawyer charges $300 per hour for their services, they may want a 10-hour retainer of $3000 to begin work.

With a retainer, you are basically guaranteeing that the lawyer will serve your interests at least until the retainer amount is exhausted. Some people might not be able to afford to pay a lump-sum upfront.

Negotiating Legal Fees

Perhaps the biggest reason people are afraid of legal representation in America is the cost. Most people legitimately fear that seeking legal representation could deplete their life savings. However, many lawyers are willing to negotiate their price if you simply sit down and have a conversation with them.

Below are a few tips we would recommend you keep in mind to get the best deal when hiring a lawyer:

• Be very clear when communicating about money
• We would recommend researching what lawyers charge in your vicinity before sitting down with a lawyer for negotiation
• Discuss all pricing structures with your lawyer to settle on a plan that you find most convenient.
• Make sure to discuss additional fees that you may be charged outside the core criminal attorney fees.
• Find out whether you can cut corners with the extra charges
• Get a written fee agreement that clearly dictates what amount you’ll be paying and the payment terms.

Additional Costs Associated with Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

Besides paying the lawyer, you’ll also need to take into account some additional costs that you’ll need to pay to proceed with your defense.

1.Court Fees

Generally, there are no filing fees associated with criminal cases in the state of Michigan.  There may be other costs involved, which include but are not limited to

• Filing an appeal;
• Obtaining hearing transcripts;
• Document copying charges;
• Video duplication fees;
• Other miscellaneous costs.

2. Investigator and Expert Witness Fees

For extensive research charges, the lawyer might have to hire a private investigator or additional expert witnesses. You’ll, of course, have to pay for their services.

3. Travel Expenses

You may need to pay for the commute of expert witnesses to and from the court. The rate will depend on the distance covered and the mode of transport the witness takes for their travel.

Ways to Finance Legal Fees

Clients today have multiple options to fund their legal fees. Below are three of the most effective ways to fund your legal defense.

1. Payment Plans

During negotiations, you can request your lawyers to accept payments in installments. You can decide the terms and conditions of these payments beforehand. You can set up a bi-weekly or monthly payment plan at your convenience.

2. Loans

Loans from a bank or your close relatives could be another effective way to fund your legal defense. Whether you get a loan will depend on your credit score and the eligibility criteria dictated by the lending bank.

3. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding has emerged as a good way to accumulate money in recent years, thanks to the internet. You can launch a campaign on platforms like Indiegogo, GoFundMe, and Patreon to gather money from generous folks online.

Resources for Finding a Good Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan

Refer to the below resources if you want to learn how to find a criminal defense attorney in Michigan.

1. Bar Association

Bar Association, or the State Bar of Michigan, is a good place for you to find a Michigan criminal defense lawyer. You’ll be able to look for attorneys by their name, city, and specialty. You’ll also get information about the attorney’s standing on this site.

2. Online Directories

There are also legitimate online directories that’ll help you find a good attorney in your locality. There are many directories online that you can easily find with a simple Google search.

3. Word-of-Mouth Referrals

If online directories aren’t your thing, simply rely on the word of your friends, family, and other members you can trust. Based on their experience, they can perhaps point you in the right direction. Word-of-mouth may be the best way to find an attorney. 

Questions to Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney before Hiring Them

1. Experience in Handling Similar Cases

 Know whether the attorney you are interviewing is capable or has any experience handling cases similar to yours.

2. Strategy for Defending Your Case

Have the lawyer explain his or her strategy for defending your case and understand whether what they are saying is even feasible.

3. Availability

You want your criminal defense attorney to be available to cater to your needs around the clock. They shouldn’t be engaged in multiple other cases while also tackling yours.

4. Communication Styles

They should be clear in their speech and polite when communicating with you.

5. Estimated Cost

Ask how much it will cost you to hire their services. Make sure they are clear about their pricing structure and the terms of payment.

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

1. Unprofessional Conduct

Stay away from lawyers who are very unprofessional in their conduct. You want your lawyers to represent you by the book and be compassionate when addressing you.

2. Lack of Experience

You want your lawyer to be seasoned and have a good record of wins in the court. An inexperienced lawyer representing you drastically reduces your chances of winning.

3. Inability to Communicate Effectively.

A lawyer who can’t communicate effectively won’t be able to explain your rights to you. They won’t be able to advocate for your rights in court or mediate with prosecutors for a settlement.

4. Excessive Focus on Money

Walk towards the door immediately if a lawyer is too fixated on money and his fees whenever they are consulting you. They’ll put their interests above yours and you don’t want that.

5. Unrealistic Promises

Some lawyers like to boast about their abilities and end up making lofty promises that are simply too good to be true. These lawyers aren’t up to any good and you should stay away from them.

Tips for Working with a Criminal Defense Attorney

1. Maintain Open Communication

Once you hire a criminal lawyer in Michigan, make sure you are in touch with them, and provide them with accurate information. Get an update from them about your case and ensure they are transparent with you.  

2. Staying Organized

Make sure all of your important documents are well-organized and ready for submission to the lawyers. Besides paperwork, it is also important that you yourself stay mentally and physically organized to look presentable in court.

3. Trusting Your Attorney

Once you’ve hired an attorney, you’ll need to trust them to do their job. Remember, they understand the criminal justice system better than you do. So try not to worry, and let the attorney serve your best interest.

4. Being Realistic About Expectations

It is also advisable to keep your expectations in check. Be realistic about what sentencing you can expect from the court or how long your entire case will take to resolve.

Conclusion

If you’ve been arrested or face a criminal charge, immediately consult a criminal defense attorney. You might be staring at serious jail time and heavy fines without them. Do not hesitate to call an attorney because you fear what they might charge you. Most lawyers are very generous when it comes to their fees, and many will schedule a consultation with you at no cost.

Understand the various fee structures available and choose the most convenient for payment. Do not hesitate to negotiate and ensure the mutually agreed-upon amount is written down in the legal agreement between you and the lawyer.

For excellent legal representation in Michigan, we suggest you call us at Coppins Law Group immediately. You can discuss how much your legal defense could cost through a free initial consultation with our criminal lawyer in Michigan today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the average cost of hiring a criminal defense attorney in Michigan?

The cost will depend on the law firm or lawyer you hire and the fee structure they adhere to. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$600 per hour if the lawyer charges on an hourly basis. Some lawyers charge a flat fee. Those fees will depend upon the nature and complexity of the case, as well as the lawyers experience and skill. Call us to learn what the cost of legal representation will be for you.

Q2. How much can I expect to pay for an initial consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in Michigan?

Some law firms and lawyers charge $250 for an initial consultation. However, you won’t have to pay a dime to schedule a consultation with the lawyers at Coppins Law Group.

Q3. Can I represent myself in a criminal case to save money?

Yes, you can, although we strongly advise against it. While you’ll save money, the long-term consequences of self-representation can be devastating. It is better to seek the help of a seasoned criminal defense attorney when facing criminal charges.

Q4. Can I use a public defender instead of hiring a criminal defense attorney? 

Public defenders are often assigned to individuals who can’t afford a private attorney. In the battle between public defenders vs. private attorneys, you’ll find that it is better to hire a private attorney. Public defenders may be overworked and may be handling multiple cases at once. They may not be able to give your case all of the attention that you would like. 

Q5. Will my criminal defense attorney require a retainer fee upfront?

This is a question we suggest you ask the lawyer you consider hiring. Some lawyers charge a retainer fee upfront, while others may not.