If you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer contact Canterbury Law Group to start your initial consultation. In criminal prosecution actions, the Constitution guarantees you a right to counsel. If you are unable to afford the services of a private attorney, the court will appoint an attorney on your behalf. Based on your assets and income, the court may decide you can afford an attorney, in that situation you can either represent yourself or hire a private attorney.
There are many factors to consider when assessing the overall costs of a criminal case:. To demonstrate, a defense attorney may hire the services of someone who specializes in chemical testing to explain the results of a Blood Alcohol Content analysis in a DUI trial. Or the services of a psychologist may be required if the defendant is wishing to raise a defense of legal insanity.
Some attorneys and those who are already well known in their practice area will often charge by the hour to their clients as opposed to using a flat rate fee. Additionally, if an appropriate flat fee cannot be determined because or the complexity of a case, the attorney may decide to charge an hourly rate instead.
The relative ability of the lawyer will cause the hourly rates they charge to greatly differ. In addition, the payment of an up front retainer may be required by a lawyer who is charging you by the hour. Once the retainer is exhausted, the client will be expected to replenish with new funds. It is vitally important to consult an experienced attorney before you respond to any criminal prosecution in writing or by direct contact with the prosecutor, even if think you have committed a particular crime and want to enter a guilty plea.
At the very least, a skilled attorney can make sure the charges you face are appropriate for the facts of the case and they are capable of advocating on your behalf so you have the best chance of obtaining the lowest penalty possible. The difference in values means a charge of petty theft misdemeanor would become grand theft felony.
