I am working on a project towards my criminal justice degree and need to find out what a defense lawyer typically charges per hour, specifically for serious crimes. Does anyone know a typical rate would be or where I can find this information?
http://www.expertlaw.com/library/criminal/criminal_lawyer.html#Q2
Thanks!
To find out the typical hourly rate for a defense lawyer, especially for serious crimes, you have a few options:
1. Legal Directories: Websites like Avvo, Super Lawyers, or FindLaw often provide directories of defense lawyers along with their profiles, practice areas, and sometimes their rates. You can search for defense lawyers in your area and find information about their hourly rates.
2. Bar Association: Contact your local or state bar association. They can provide you with information about defense lawyers and may even have a referral service that can connect you with practitioners who handle serious crimes. While they may not give specific rates, they can provide guidance on what you can expect to pay.
3. Personal Referrals: Reach out to individuals who have previously worked with defense lawyers for serious crimes. They may be able to provide you with insights into the rates they encountered during their cases.
4. Consultation: Some defense lawyers offer an initial consultation for potential clients. You can schedule meetings with a few defense lawyers who specialize in serious crimes and inquire about their rates during these consultations. This way, you can gather information about their fees and also evaluate their expertise and suitability for your project.
Keep in mind that defense lawyer rates can vary significantly based on several factors, including the lawyer's experience, reputation, location, complexity of the case, and the amount of preparation required. It's important to consider these factors when researching rates.