How much does a lawyer cost for a misdemeanor?
How much does a lawyer cost for a misdemeanor?
$200 – $500 average cost per hour
$1,500 – $8,000 average flat fee
Average cost of an attorney for a misdemeanor
Hiring a lawyer for a misdemeanor costs $200 to $500 per hour on average, or $1,500 to $8,000 total if they charge a flat fee. Individual costs depend on your location, the lawyer's experience level, the severity of the crime, and whether you've had any prior arrests.
| Fee type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $200 – $500 per hour |
| Flat fee | $1,500 – $8,000 |
Hourly rate
A criminal defense lawyer charges $200 to $500 per hour, depending on how complex the case is. Using an hourly rate means you'll pay more the longer they work on the case. Any time spent on phone calls or emails will count towards that time.
Flat fee
The total cost of a lawyer for a misdemeanor ranges from $1,500 to $8,000, depending on whether this is your first offense. Most criminal defense cases do not go to trial, but if yours does, your lawyer will likely charge more.
What is a misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor is a lower-level crime like a DUI or shoplifting. Judges prosecute these crimes less harshly than felonies, but the penalties could still include jail time or a fine. Other misdemeanors include:
Trespassing
Resisting arrest
Reckless driving
Assault
Indecent exposure
Public intoxication
Vandalism
Domestic violence
Drug possession
Prostitution
Perjury
Misdemeanor lawyer cost factors
The following factors impact the cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer:
Location: Defense attorneys are more likely to charge higher rates in larger cities like Los Angeles, Houston, New York, or Washington, D.C.
Experience: Skilled attorneys charge higher rates because they have solid reputations and higher success rates than newer lawyers.
Charge severity: Misdemeanor classes vary by location, but judges generally label them Class A through D or Class 1 through 3. Simpler cases with no clear victim, such as disorderly conduct, may cost less to defend than more severe crimes like reckless driving or assault.
Prior record: If you have a clean record, your case may be easier and less expensive than someone with multiple arrests or warrants.
Trial vs. plea: Your defense costs will be higher if your case goes to trial. If the defendant agrees to a plea deal, you'll be able to settle outside of court.
Low-income defendants may be entitled to an attorney appointed by the court. Different states have different income thresholds.
Similar lawyer costs
If your case involves a DUI or other charges, you may need help from a more specific type of lawyer. The table below shows the rates of lawyer's specialties:
| Lawyer type | Average hourly fee | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violence lawyer cost | $150 – $500 | $3,500 – $20,000 |
| Traffic lawyer cost | $100 – $500 | $50 – $5,000 |
| Speeding ticket lawyer cost | $100 – $500 | $50 – $300 |
| DUI lawyer cost | $150 – $500 | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| Car accident lawyer cost | 30% – 40% contingency fee | $9,000 – $100,000+ |
Misdemeanor attorney FAQs
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?
You technically don't need to hire a lawyer for a misdemeanor case, but it's highly recommended. Even a minor misdemeanor case can result in jail time or a fine and can negatively impact job prospects and future opportunities. A lawyer can help with:
Explaining the charges and planning
Negotiating a plea bargain
Building a defense
Protecting your criminal record
Is a speeding ticket a misdemeanor?
Most jurisdictions consider speeding tickets an infraction, not a misdemeanor, unless special circumstances like the following apply:
You exceeded the speed limit by a significant or excessive amount.
You were in a sensitive location like a school zone.
You have a commercial driver's license.
Can you go to jail for a misdemeanor?
Yes, you can go to jail for up to 1 to 2 years over a misdemeanor. The potential sentence depends on the specific offense and your arrest record. The judge may also order a fine, community service, restitution, or probation.
How long does a misdemeanor stay on your record?
In most cases, a misdemeanor stays on your record permanently. However, your lawyer may be able to get an expungement or have your records sealed as long as you're not currently under probation. The following cases are not eligible for expungement:
Sex-related offenses including minors
Some vehicle code violations
Violent crime or assault with a deadly weapon
Even if the judge dismisses the charges, you should try to get an expungement because even dismissed charges can appear on federal background checks for up to 7 years.
How to choose a criminal defense lawyer
Follow these important steps when looking for lawyers near you:
Research client reviews of criminal defense attorneys on Lawful and Google.
Make sure the attorneys have relevant experience and a solid track record.
Pick a firm with a transparent fee structure.
If possible, choose a local lawyer who's familiar with the prosecutor and judge involved.
Always get a written contract before starting.
Questions to ask criminal defense lawyers
When looking for representation for your case, ask lawyers these questions:
How much experience do you have with cases like mine?
When did you pass the bar?
What's your hourly rate?
Do you charge a flat fee for some cases?
Will any paralegals or assistants help with this case?
Do you offer free consultations?
Will you be able to get the charges dismissed?
Do I have a good chance of getting the charges dismissed?
How long do cases like this normally take?
Will I have to go to court at any point?
Can we sign a contract before we start?
Can you help me with expunging my records afterwards?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.