how much will an attorney cost for controlled substance charges

How Much Does a Drug Defense Attorney Cost? Low: Misdemeanors start around $2,000-$5,000 Medium: Felonies can be $5,000-$15,000 at $100-$300+ per hour

Full Answer

How much does it cost to hire a drug attorney?

Whether your lawyer is working on an hourly rate or flat fee, retainers for a criminal defense attorney on drug-related charges start around $2,000-$5,000 for misdemeanors and $5,000-$15,000 for felonies, but can easily be $20,000-$30,000 and more for serious or life felonies, or complex cases that will involve a lot of hours and expert witnesses.

How much does a Florida felony lawyer cost?

The cost of a lawyer to defend felony charges depends on the type of charges you are facing. Third-degree felonies, which are punishable by five years in prison, or a $5,000 dollar fine, or five years probation, the average range for a criminal lawyer in central Florida is anywhere between $3,500 to $10,000 dollars.

Why do criminal defense attorneys charge so much?

Usually there are two factors when it comes to criminal defense cases - the complexity of the case and seriousness of the charges. Felonies often require a greater investment of time and concentrated effort, rather than a misdemeanor or domestic law case. Therefore, the legal fees are likely to be higher.

Why hire a criminal defense attorney for a drug possession case?

An experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in a drug possession case and the future ahead for those facing charges. For those not familiar with the legal profession, it’s important to understand the costs involved when hiring a criminal defense attorney.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Texas is among the highest conviction and incarceration rates in the US. It’s not a place where one can expect to prevail simply because they feel they are innocent. Texas prisons are filled with folks who thought they could “beat the system”.

How important is it to know how an attorney will be paid?

For those not familiar with the legal profession, it’s important to understand the costs involved when hiring a criminal defense attorney. Like other professions, not all attorneys are alike and the payment structure for attorneys varies as well. In order to make an informed decision, knowing how an attorney will be paid is critical. There are several factors involved such as the complexity of the case, ones’ criminal history, the attorneys experience, additional fees, etc.

What do criminal defense attorneys need?

When building a defense case, a criminal defense attorney may require specialists such as investigators, doctors, or accountants to assist in the defense. It may also involve testimony from witnesses who will need to be found, interviewed, and researched. This results in more work for the attorney, but could also make all the difference in a case..

What does it mean when a criminal case is more serious?

To put it simply, the more serious the charges, the more work for an attorney. This will mean higher legal costs as well. Usually there are two factors when it comes to criminal defense cases - the complexity of the case and seriousness of the charges.

Why do lawyers charge flat fees?

Flat fees also allow clients to financially plan without any surprises. They don’t have to worry about hidden costs or running out of a retainer in the midst of a case. Everything is upfront and clear from the beginning. On rare occasions, an attorney may include a provision if the case goes to trial. In those instances, it should be clearly indicated in the contract.

What is the role of a lawyer when representing an accused person?

If they represent the accused person, they are responsible for making sure that the defendant has all of their rights protected, in accordance with the law and constitutional implications within the criminal code.

How to respond to a lawyer about a confidential meeting?

Respond honestly, and ask for explanations if you need them . Your meeting is likely confidential, so don't be afraid that disclosing information to your lawyer when they ask.

How much does a lawyer charge for a misdemeanor?

A lawyer may charge a flat fee for a specific phase of the case (such as the preliminary/pretrial hearing and motions) or an hourly rate of $100-$300 or more.

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What should be included in a drug charge?

What should be included: Drug crimes may include possession, manufacture, delivery, distribution, trafficking and cultivation. Charges may be brought in either the state or federal courts, depending on circumstances. The federal government imposes mandatory minimum sentences [ 1] based on the type of drug ...

How to find the best lawyer for my case?

Meet with several attorneys to find the best one to handle your case. Know the exact charges against you, your court date, your bail amount and any other pertinent facts. Ask about the attorney's education, experience and area of specialty. Lawyers.com gives tips for selecting a lawyer [ 5] , plus how to prepare to meet with an attorney for the first time [ 6] and what to do during an initial consultation [ 7] .

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Do you have to pay an attorney an advance fee?

Either way, you must pay the attorney an advance fee known as a retainer, based either on all or part of the flat fee or an estimated number of hours. If an attorney works on a hourly rate, as legal services are provided, the hourly fee is deducted from the retainer; when it's gone, you will be billed for more money.

Can you hire a lawyer if you are facing a felony?

If you are facing felony charges and can't afford to hire an attorney, you are legally entitled to a lawyer at no charge to you. The judge will either assign a government public defender or appoint a private attorney to represent you.

How much does a misdemeanor cost?

I usually price these cases at $2500 and less. Sometimes as low as $1500. The exception to this rule are DUI's (technically referred to criminal traffic violations) which generally start at $4000, but can be significantly lower (sometimes as low as $2500 ) depending on the case and client. Some misdemeanors can be more, for instance a battery charge with significant injuries.

How much does it cost to defend a 3rd degree felony?

These are punishable by a maximum of 5 years in prison. The cost to defend a third degree felony can vary considerably. I generally charge at least $2500 for a basic third-degree felony charge (such as a possession of a controlled substance charge). Costs for more serious or difficult third degree felonies can be significantly more.

Is pricing in a criminal case like pricing for clothes?

Also, please be aware that pricing in a criminal case is not like pricing for clothes or car parts. Because each criminal case has a unique set of facts and defenses, each case will differ as to how much work will be necessary to adequately and successfully represent the client. Therefore, prices will vary between similar criminal charges. Below are general guidelines, for an exact quote please call me and I will review the facts of your case and give you a definite quote.

Is it appropriate to quote a general figure online for a second degree felony?

Regarding second-degree and first-degree felonies, it is not appropriate to quote a general figure online as the cost to defend these can vary drastically depending on the seriousness of the allegations and the individual's criminal history.

WHAT IS A 5TH DEGREE DRUG CHARGE?

In Minnesota, a fifth degree drug charge can be for either possession of controlled substances, or sales and intent to sell drugs.

What is a 5th degree felony?

possessing less than 0.05 grams of heroin; A felony 5th degree drug possession means you are being accused of one or both of the following: possession of 0.25 or more grams, or two or more dosage units, of controlled substance other than heroin (this includes wax, hash and THC edibles) possessing 0.05 grams or more of heroin with ...

What happens if you get convicted of a 5th controlled substance sale?

Many controlled substance sale cases also involve forfeiture of vehicles, cash, or other personal items of significant value.

How to contact Coley Grostyan?

Don’t chance facing serious felony drug charges without an experienced drug defense attorney on your side. Contact Coley Grostyan at 612-747-2254. Although based in Minneapolis, Coley Grostyan regularly represents individuals facing drug charges in state and federal courts throughout the State of Minnesota.

What is a 5th degree drug possession?

A gross misdemeanor 5th degree drug possession means you have no prior drug conviction and are being accused of one or both of the following: A felony 5th degree drug possession means you are being accused of one or both of the following: possession of 0.25 or more grams, or two or more dosage units, of controlled substance other than heroin ...

What are the consequences of a controlled substance conviction?

From forfeiture of cars and cash, to affecting your ability to find meaningful employment and safe housing, the future consequences are significant.

How long can you go to jail for possession of a 5th degree?

That being said, the maximum punishment (but very rarely occurs) for a 5th degree possession ranges from one-year in jail for a gross misdemeanor conviction, to up to 5 years in prison for a felony conviction. In addition to potential jail and fines, a controlled substance conviction can other serious consequences.