If you find yourself in legal trouble, it can be a very intimidating situation to be in. This is especially true if you do not have a ton of financial resources. The thought of not even being able to afford an attorney can keep a lot of people up at night. There are always options available to you, no matter what your finances look like, so you can rest easy. Learn how much a defense attorney costs and what your options are.
Public Defender
In the US, every citizen is guaranteed the right to legal representation in criminal cases. Even if you do not have a single cent you can spend on hiring an attorney, it does not invalidate your right to legal representation. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you for free. This type of attorney is called a public defender.
Public defenders are only assigned to the defendants in criminal cases. If you are sued by another citizen, then that is a civil case. You will not be able to receive a public defender in a civil case, and must hire one yourself.
Defense Attorney Cost
If you decide that you do not want to take advantage of a public defender, and would rather hire a private attorney, you are free to do so. However, you should understand that private defense attorneys are usually quite expensive. However, like most other services, there is a range of prices. It is absolutely possible to find a defense attorney who will not charge very much. The exact price will depend heavily on the area you live in. In some areas, it is possible to hire a defense attorney for less than a thousand dollars.
Additionally, the type of payment will vary from one attorney to the next. Some legal representatives charge a flat fee, while others charge by the hour, day, or month. You should consider all of these aspects before you hire anyone.
Other Options
If you do not want to use a public defender, but also do not have much money, there are a few other options available to you:
- Legal clinics – There are many legal clinics which provide legal advice for free.
- Legal aid firm – Many law firms take clients for free and use government grants to operate.
- Pro bono attorney – Attorneys are encouraged to take a certain number of pro bono cases each year.
No matter what situation you are in or how much money you have to hire an attorney, you can get the criminal defense attorney in San Mateo, CA you need.
Thanks to the Morales Law Firm for their insight into criminal law and how much an attorney costs.