How Much Does a Good Criminal Lawyer Cost in Metro Detroit?
The Law Office of Barton Morris calculates criminal legal fees on a per hour basis. Different attorneys and staff members in the office have different rates. The minimum fee set for each criminal case is determined by estimating the amount of hours to be worked on a case by case basis. Some cases will require full litigation services including investigation, legal research, motion practice, and trial work. These cases will require a larger minimum fee and larger total fee. Many cases are known plea negoitation and sentence mitigation cases. These cases typically require a smaller fee because less hours are necessary. Everyone’s case and requirements are different and therefore a standard fee for each case cannot be determined and set without an interview which often times can be initially performed over the phone. An office visit will always be a more detailed interview and a more accurrate fee assesment can be accomplished.
All services are tracked and invoiced regularly thus a client is always kept informed about the legal fees incurred. Clients are also always advised when their initial retainer fee is about to be depleted and another will be necessary. There will never be any suprize legal fees. Are fees are reasonably billed as well. Unlike other law firms, you will not be billed for every phone call and email. Only substantive legal services are billed and never over billed.
As an example, if a client hires this office for a drunk driving, the minimum fee may be $3,000.00. Only when that amount of services is provided and invoiced will any additional fee be demanded and only if necessary. In many cases, it is not. It depends upon the level of service necessary to properly and compentently handle each case.
It is preferred that the minimum fee be paid up front before legal services are begun. We also understand that criminal charges often require legal action faster than final financial arrangments can be made. Therefore a portion, usually at least half of the minimum fee, may be paid to start as long as it is agreed that the remainder of the minimum fee be paid in a reasonable time thereafter. Everyone’s reasonable timeframe is different but it is preferred to be kept under 30 days. Additional payment consideration will be made on a case by case basis when necessary and justified.
The minimum fee for most misdemeanor charges is $2,500.00. Some traffic offenses like driving while license suspended are as low as $1,500.00. Others like reckless driving are $1,000.00. Please call for exact price quotes.
The minimum legal fee for most state felony criminal charges is between $5,000.00 and $10,000.00. For a full litigation of a felony charge the total fee may vary greatly. Some felony trials are one day and others are three weeks or more. It is not uncommon for trial fees to be between $15,000.00 – $25,000.00 (total, not in addition). Remember, this fee if for one of the best trial attorneys in the Metro Detroit and surrounding area, attorney Barton Morris. Lesser fees can be paid for an associate attorney in the firm.
The minimum legal fee for many federal criminal charges is usually between $15,000.00 and $25,000.00. This fee is very dependent upon the type of charges and type of defense necessary. Please make an appointment to discuss the exact nature of a case and a more specific fee quote.
Probation violations typically are between $750.00 and $1,500.00 again depending on how much time is estimated to be expended. Probation violation fees must be paid in full prior to any appearance at court hearings.
Driver License Appeal Division License Restoration legal fees are flat. $2,500.00 for a restricted license and $1,500.00 for a full restoration if you are a prior client. Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Violation hearings are $1,000.00.