Are you looking to hire an attorney and are curious about the costs? Atlantic City criminal defense lawyer Joseph Lombardo of Lombardo Law Group, LLC invites you to keep reading about the attorney selection process, how much is likely to cost you, and the various factors that may affect the cost of hiring a lawyer in New Jersey.
The Costs of Retaining a Lawyer for Your Criminal Case in NJ
The cost of retaining a criminal defense attorney to represent you can vary depending on the crime that you have been charged with, the jurisdiction, and how experienced the lawyer is. Before you are required to pay anything, most lawyers will typically meet with you to discuss your case, explain to you in plain English about the charges you are facing and what the consequences could be. That situation might be different if you are contacting an attorney while you are incarcerated or are in the process of being arrested. Most attorneys require a fee called a retainer. A retainer is the cost to retain the lawyer to represent you.
The attorney then counts your legal bills against that retainer until it either is or isn’t used up. A more complex case will require more work and thus, usually a larger retainer. For instance, Federal criminal cases, are often more complex, and attorneys with experience defending Federal criminal charges less common, so it might cost more to retain a lawyer in those cases. Other matters that may require higher retainers include charges that may have an individual facing a lengthy or life in a prison sentence – charges such as attempted murder, negligent homicide, possession with intent to distribute, arson, terrorist activity, and rape or attempted rape. In many cases, the legal fees are a small price to pay in order to adequately defend yourself, avoid lengthy jail sentences, or have your charges reduced or dismissed.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Hiring a New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney
Any criminal defense lawyer you retain should be experienced, able, and willing to bring your case to trial if necessary. If the charges, evidence, or situation surrounding your arrest can be brought into question, it may be necessary to go to trial. If you retain an attorney based on price and not experience, they may not be the best option in the event that your case has to go to trial. It is often strenuous to switch attorneys leading up to a trial. The new attorney will have to review all the evidence, may want to make motions of their own, and prepare for trial in a shorter amount of time than the original lawyer. The amount of work the case may take can affect the cost of retaining an attorney. If you are able, it is best to retain a lawyer who is experienced and able in handling criminal defense trials to verdict.
When Should I Contact an Attorney?
You should contact a criminal attorney anytime you have been accused of committing a serious crime. If you have been charged with juvenile crimes, drug possession, drug manufacturing, drug distribution, sex crimes, assault, kidnapping, battery, DUI, manslaughter, forgery, theft, domestic violence crimes, fraud, murder, or any other crime where you face severe penalties including fines or imprisonment you should immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer. Contact a criminal defense attorney today in order to ensure your rights are preserved and protected.
What Types of Questions Will My Criminal Defense Attorney Ask Me?
Since every case is different there is no comprehensive list of questions that a lawyer should ask. However, your attorney is an expert and he or she will target his or her questions to your unique situation and needs.
He or she may start by asking you questions about the alleged crime. Your attorney might want to know how you perceived the events. To achieve that the lawyer may ask you many highly detailed questions. These questions may include anything from the time to your surroundings, to the chronology of the events. In answering these questions it is essential that you are forthcoming and honest with your lawyer. If you make misstatements to your attorney they may damage your case and require your attorney to notify the court if the misstatement is repeated in court.
Other questions your criminal defense attorney may ask include whether there are any witnesses. Witnesses can help corroborate your account of the events and weaken the case against you. A weaker case could result in charges being reduced or dropped.
Your lawyer may also want to know about your background and criminal history. A clean record and good background could help your attorney negotiate a plea bargain rather than risk more serious consequences. Further, full knowledge of your history will allow your lawyer to clearly and accurately explain the potential consequences you could face.
Call Our Atlantic City, NJ Criminal Defense Attorney for a Free Consultation
If you want to learn more information about how much it will cost you to hire a criminal defense attorney in New Jersey, contact our lawyers today. Lombardo Law Group, LLC has been representing individuals charged with crimes of all levels of severity since 1993. We are able and ready to go to trial if necessary in the defense of our clients.
Criminal defense lawyer Joseph Lombardo, a former Municipal Prosecutor, will personally meet with you in a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain the process and what consequences you are facing. Joseph Lombardo has defended clients through trial in across Southern New Jersey. He is also available 24 hours a day for emergency or jail consultations. Contact us today for a free consultation at (609) 445-4300.
