How Much Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Charge?

Posted by Kyle Dreger on Apr 22, 2025

Getting charged with a crime is stressful enough—understanding how much hiring a criminal defense attorney costs shouldn’t add to the confusion.

How much do criminal defense attorneys charge?
Criminal defense attorneys typically charge between $1,500 and $15,000+, depending on the severity of the charges, location, and fee structure. Hourly rates range from $150–$700, while flat fees for misdemeanors start around $1,000.

At Gerald Miller, P.A., our nationally recognized team offers decades of experience in criminal defense. This guide outlines everything you need to know about legal fees, cost factors, and how to get quality representation—without breaking the bank.

Average Criminal Defense Attorney Costs by State

The table below provides a comparison of average legal fees across all U.S. states. These figures are estimates and can vary based on case complexity, attorney experience, and location-specific factors.

State	Misdemeanor (Flat Fee)	Felony (Flat Fee)	Hourly Rate Range
Alabama	$1,300 – $3,800	$4,500 – $12,000	$200 – $450
Alaska	$1,600 – $4,500	$5,500 – $17,000	$250 – $550
Arizona	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Arkansas	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
California	$2,000 – $6,000	$7,500 – $25,000	$300 – $700
Colorado	$1,600 – $4,500	$5,500 – $17,000	$250 – $550
Connecticut	$2,000 – $6,000	$7,500 – $25,000	$300 – $700
Delaware	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Florida	$1,800 – $4,800	$6,000 – $18,000	$250 – $600
Georgia	$1,300 – $3,800	$4,500 – $12,000	$200 – $450
Hawaii	$1,600 – $4,500	$5,500 – $17,000	$250 – $550
Idaho	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Illinois	$1,800 – $4,800	$6,000 – $18,000	$250 – $600
Indiana	$1,400 – $4,000	$5,000 – $14,000	$200 – $500
Iowa	$1,400 – $4,000	$5,000 – $14,000	$200 – $500
Kansas	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Kentucky	$1,300 – $3,800	$4,500 – $12,000	$200 – $450
Louisiana	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Maine	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Maryland	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Massachusetts	$2,000 – $6,000	$7,500 – $25,000	$300 – $700
Michigan	$1,400 – $4,000	$5,000 – $14,000	$200 – $500
Minnesota	$1,400 – $4,000	$5,000 – $14,000	$200 – $500
Mississippi	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Missouri	$1,400 – $4,000	$5,000 – $14,000	$200 – $500
Montana	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Nebraska	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Nevada	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
New Hampshire	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
New Jersey	$1,800 – $4,800	$6,000 – $18,000	$250 – $600
New Mexico	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
New York	$2,000 – $6,000	$7,500 – $25,000	$300 – $700
North Carolina	$1,300 – $3,800	$4,500 – $12,000	$200 – $450
North Dakota	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Ohio	$1,400 – $4,000	$5,000 – $14,000	$200 – $500
Oklahoma	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Oregon	$1,600 – $4,500	$5,500 – $17,000	$250 – $550
Pennsylvania	$1,800 – $4,800	$6,000 – $18,000	$250 – $600
Rhode Island	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
South Carolina	$1,300 – $3,800	$4,500 – $12,000	$200 – $450
South Dakota	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Tennessee	$1,300 – $3,800	$4,500 – $12,000	$200 – $450
Texas	$1,800 – $4,800	$6,000 – $18,000	$250 – $600
Utah	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Vermont	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Virginia	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Washington	$1,600 – $4,500	$5,500 – $17,000	$250 – $550
West Virginia	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400
Wisconsin	$1,400 – $4,000	$5,000 – $14,000	$200 – $500
Wyoming	$1,200 – $3,500	$4,000 – $11,000	$175 – $400

Why Criminal Defense Fees Vary So Much

No two criminal cases are the same—and neither are their legal costs. The final amount you pay will depend on several key elements:

1. Type and Severity of the Crime

Misdemeanors like shoplifting or DUI usually cost less than felonies.
Federal charges, violent crimes, or white-collar crimes require more resources, increasing fees.

2. Attorney’s Experience and Reputation

A well-known attorney with a long track record may charge more—but may also secure better outcomes.
Less experienced attorneys may offer lower rates, but could lack the strategic insight required in serious cases.

3. Geographic Location

Rates in urban areas or states with high costs of living (e.g., California, New York) are typically higher than in smaller towns.

How Criminal Defense Attorneys Bill Clients

Understanding how your lawyer charges helps you budget appropriately. Here are the most common fee structures:

Hourly Rates

Most common in complex or ongoing cases.
Range: $150 to $700+ per hour
Pros: Pay only for work performed.
Cons: Can become costly if the case drags on.

Flat Fees

Often used for predictable, straightforward cases.
Range: $1,000 to $5,000 for misdemeanors, $5,000 to $15,000+ for felonies
Pros: No surprise bills. Budget certainty.
Cons: Might exclude some expenses (like trial representation).

Retainer Fees

An upfront deposit, usually required for hourly billing.
Your attorney draws from this as work is completed.

Tip: Always ask for a detailed fee agreement that outlines what services are included, and what may be extra.

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Decades of Dedicated DWI Defense

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Additional Legal Costs to Expect

Besides your attorney’s fees, you may encounter other legal expenses, such as:

Court filing fees
Expert witness fees
Private investigators
Travel expenses for out-of-state witnesses or court appearances

These costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the case’s complexity.

Can You Get a Payment Plan?

Yes, many criminal defense firms—including Gerald Miller, P.A.—offer:

Flexible payment plans
Credit card acceptance
Third-party legal financing

These options make it easier to secure quality defense without paying the full fee upfront.

Why Hiring a Skilled Attorney Is Worth the Cost

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer isn’t just about avoiding jail—it’s about protecting your future. An experienced attorney can:

Reduce or dismiss charges
Negotiate favorable plea deals
Help avoid license suspensions or registration requirements
Prevent long-term impacts on your record and employment

The right attorney can save you thousands of dollars in fines, lost wages, and future opportunities.

What If You Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

If you meet certain financial criteria, the court may appoint a public defender. However, public defenders often have:

Extremely high caseloads
Less time for case preparation
Limited availability for client communication

For serious or sensitive cases, private legal counsel is almost always the better choice.

What’s the Difference Between a Public Defender vs. Private Attorney?

The main difference between a public defender and a private attorney is who pays them. Public defenders, who are appointed by the court, are paid by the government, while private attorneys are paid by their clients. This difference leads to variations in caseload, client choice, and available resources.

Feature	Public Defender	Private Attorney
Caseload	Very high (100+ cases)	Moderate to low
Communication	Limited access	Flexible and responsive
Time for Case Prep	Often limited	Thorough and strategic
Trial Representation	May prioritize plea deals	Prepared to go to trial
Cost	Free (if you qualify)	$1,500 – $15,000+
Outcome Control	Less tailored	Customized legal strategy

While public defenders work hard, hiring a private attorney offers more time, resources, and individualized defense. It’s an investment in your future.

How to Choose the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer

Choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical. Look for:

Experience with your type of charges (DUI, assault, federal crimes, etc.)
Clear, transparent fee structures with written agreements
Strong client reviews and peer ratings
Responsive communication and availability
Board certification or bar association recognition

A good lawyer should take the time to listen, evaluate, and offer a realistic legal strategy tailored to your situation.

Red Flags When Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

Avoid lawyers who:

Guarantee outcomes — this is unethical and unrealistic
Don’t offer a written fee agreement
Lack trial experience if your case may go to court
Have poor communication or long delays in response
Don’t specialize in criminal law — experience matters

Always trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or rushed, consider a second opinion.

Call Gerald Miller, P.A. Today for a Free Consultation

Facing criminal charges is serious—don’t face them alone. Gerald Miller, P.A. provides skilled, strategic defense with payment flexibility and national experience.

Call now 612-341-9080 or request your free consultation online. Let our proven criminal defense team fight for your future.

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FAQs About Criminal Attorney Fees

How much does a defense attorney cost for a felony?

Felony representation typically costs $5,000–$15,000+, depending on trial involvement and legal complexity.

Is a flat fee better than hourly billing?

It depends. Flat fees offer budget certainty, but hourly billing may be more cost-effective for short or simple cases.

Do I have to pay everything up front?

Not always. Many firms offer payment plans or financing to make legal defense more accessible.

How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

DUI defense fees usually range from $1,500 to $7,500, depending on whether the case involves trial, repeat offenses, or enhanced charges.

How much does a lawyer cost for a misdemeanor?

Misdemeanor cases generally cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the complexity, whether it goes to trial, and your geographic location.

Are criminal defense consultations free?

Many attorneys, including Gerald Miller, P.A., offer free consultations to assess your case and explain your legal options.

Can I negotiate attorney fees?

Yes, many criminal defense lawyers are open to fee negotiation or offering a flat fee, especially for first-time or nonviolent offenses.

What is a retainer, and how does it work?

A retainer is an upfront payment lawyers draw from as they work on your case. Once it's depleted, you may need to replenish it.

Do lawyers charge more for federal cases?

Yes. Federal cases typically cost more because they involve complex legal issues and strict procedural requirements.

Will my case cost more if it goes to trial?

Almost always. Trials require significant prep time, court appearances, and expert witnesses, increasing the total legal cost substantially.