how to find a affordable criminal attorney

by Miss Elisa Windler Jr. 4 min read

How do I Choose an affordable criminal defense lawyer?

Sep 13, 2021 · When seeking an affordable criminal defense lawyer, take time to evaluate the professional recognition received by the attorneys you are considering. Some examples of professional recognition include: Inclusion in lists of Top Lawyers in their field; Membership in organizations that recognize top attorneys in a particular area of law;

How to find an affordable family lawyer?

There are many factors which will complicate your ability to obtain an attorney. As soon as you think you may need legal advice, you should begin your search. LegalMatch is free and dedicated to helping every person find an affordable lawyer. Present your case and within minutes, you can assess a lawyer’s profile.

How do I find the right criminal defense attorney for me?

May 14, 2012 · To initiate the process of finding the right criminal defense attorney for your case, you should start by performing an online search for lawyers who practice criminal law in your area. Within your search results, you will most likely see ads for individual firms, various attorney referral service providers, state and local bar associations, and legal aid and pro bono services.

How do I find a good lawyer?

You want to find a criminal lawyer soon, if criminal prices are levied on you. 1. The documents that the court docket has given you the place your prices are talked about.

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What does an immigration attorney do?

Immigration lawyers help their clients through all phases of the immigration process. Experts on immigration law, they are legally qualified to rep...

What is a personal injury lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer fights on your behalf if you’ve been injured physically, psychologically, economically or in reputation. This injury may b...

How much does a bankruptcy attorney cost?

Hourly rates for bankruptcy attorneys range from $200-$300 . In total, customers spend an average of $999-$1,183 for their services. But because l...

How do you find a good real estate lawyer?

If buying or selling property feels overwhelming and the thought of finding a good real estate lawyer seems daunting, you’re in luck. There are som...

What does a real estate lawyer do?

A real estate lawyer represents their client’s best interest in all matters related to the sale, purchase and ownership of real estate. They are ex...

What should you look for in a personal injury lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer will advocate for your legal rights if you’ve been hurt in an accident at work or in daily life, have suffered from medica...

What kind of lawyer does wills?

No one likes talking about death, but it’s better than leaving your children or siblings to sort out your estate. A clearly planned will can make t...

How do you find a good immigration lawyer?

Research is key to finding a good immigration lawyer. The immigration process can be overwhelming and complex, so a trustworthy advocate is critica...

How do lawyers get paid if they lose a case?

Lawyers typically charge for their time (typically a hourly rate) regardless of whether they win a case. Sometimes, the losing party is ordered to...

What does it mean to pass the bar exam?

New lawyers can be inexperienced, but a lawyer that passed the bar exam in their state means that they are qualified and able to navigate the law. In addition, new lawyers are determined to establish themselves in the business and can be knowledgeable about a wide variety of law as they recently graduated from law school and took the bar exam. You can expect a new lawyer to focus on your case unlike a seasoned attorney who is preoccupied with piles of cases. New lawyers out there are still trying to prove themselves, thus you can expect them to dedicate their efforts to understand, learn, and resolve your legal issues. They are eager to show that they are capable of handling your case and can be willing to offer a lower fee for experience.

How much does a lawyer charge per hour?

The average lawyer in the U.S. can charge between $150 - $300 per hour. Keep in mind that lawyer consultation or assistance rates will depend on many factors, including the area of practice (criminal vs. personal injury), the complexity of the case, and the years of experience that the attorney brings. It can also depend on where you live, ...

Is a lawyer incompetent?

It does not mean that your lawyer will be incompetent, but they might not be able to get back to you right away or be able to take your call for every concern you might have. Your chances of succeeding in your case is higher when you have a lawyer, even if they are not as experienced as you would like.

What to expect from a new lawyer?

You can expect a new lawyer to focus on your case unlike a seasoned attorney who is preoccupied with piles of cases. New lawyers out there are still trying to prove themselves, thus you can expect them to dedicate their efforts to understand, learn, and resolve your legal issues.

Can you defend yourself in court?

You have the option to defend yourself in court, but by doing so you are more susceptible to losing your case. So if you defend yourself in a criminal case, then you run the risk of facing jail time, or for a personal injury case you may be stuck with paying a huge sum of money to the other party.

What questions should I ask a criminal defense attorney?

The following is a list of some important questions that a person may want to ask a potential criminal defense attorney in advance of retaining them. These include: 1 Whether the consultation session is free, and if not, what do they charge for it?; 2 How do they structure their fee arrangements? (e.g., do they bill by the hour, or is it a flat fee?); 3 Have they ever handled similar cases? If so, how many and what were the outcomes of those cases?; 4 How long does the attorney expect the case to go on for? (note that this will vary drastically by case and may even change during the course of it); 5 What type of law do they practice? Do they specialize in any subcategories or particular matters within criminal law?; 6 How many years of legal experience do they have in the criminal defense field?; 7 Are there other ways to resolve the case, or is court the only option?; 8 How often does the attorney update their clients? Is there a certain method they use to stay in touch with clients? What is it? Are they reachable by that same method?; and 9 Will the attorney-client privilege cover details about the case that are disclosed in the meeting? Will the privilege still apply, even if the attorney is not chosen to represent them?

What is a criminal advocate?

A criminal advocate, more commonly known as a criminal defense attorney, is a type of lawyer who specializes in criminal law. Specifically, a criminal defense attorney focuses on protecting the legal rights of their client and making sure that the rights laid out in the U.S. Constitution continue to be upheld as they were intended.

Who initiates a criminal case?

Unlike a civil lawsuit, a criminal case is initiated by a government actor . In most criminal cases, this government representative is usually a district attorney or state prosecutor.

Do victims get restitution?

However, victims do not typically receive remedies in criminal court with the exception of restitution. If a victim wants to pursue monetary damages against a defendant, they will need to file a claim in civil court. On the other hand, criminal defense attorneys represent defendants.

What can a criminal defense lawyer do?

A criminal defense lawyer can help you do just that by informing you about your rights under the law, conducting research to find potential defenses you can raise against your charges, and providing representation in criminal court.

What happens if a suspect pleads not guilty?

The suspect will then attend an arraignment hearing where they will either plead guilty or not guilty to the charges; Their plea will trigger the pretrial process (i.e., the stages where both the prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney build their respective cases);

What happens when a trial ends?

Once trial ends, the judge and/or jury will decide the outcome of the case; If the defendant is guilty, then they will need to attend a sentencing hearing where the court will issue a punishment; and. Finally, the defendant may file an appeal to try to reverse the decision of the trial court.

What does an immigration lawyer do?

What does an immigration attorney do? Immigration lawyers help their clients through all phases of the immigration process. Experts on immigration law, they are legally qualified to represent U.S. citizens, permanent residents or undocumented immigrants.

Do you need a real estate attorney for closing?

Many states require a real estate attorney to handle sale closing documents. For more complex matters such as a real estate deal gone awry or foreclosure, you’ll want to find an attorney who has successfully handled cases like yours. Look for online reviews of real estate lawyers in your area.

What is an individual lawyer?

Individual lawyers (also called attorneys) are experts in different areas of the law. Some attorneys specialize in a certain field of law, such as business, civil, criminal, or juvenile law. You will need to determine which type of attorney is right for your legal situation.

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

Keep in mind, Chapter 7 bankruptcy information stays on your credit report for 10 years. This can make it hard to get credit, buy a home, receive life insurance, or get a job. Learn more about bankruptcy, and other options for dealing with debt .

Relevant Experience

When choosing your attorney, focus on the law firms and attorneys who have experience related to your case.

Professional Reputation

An attorney’s professional reputation can tell you a lot about the quality of their practice.

Contact an Affordable Criminal Defense Attorney Today

The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, provides top-quality legal services at a fair price. Our experienced attorneys have tried more than 100 cases in front of a jury in San Diego County and other California courts.

Kerry L. Armstrong

Attorney Kerry Armstrong opened up his law firm in June 2007. Mr. Armstrong attended Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, California, and received his B.S. from Middle Tennessee State University. Kerry L.

Expert Q&A

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Tips

Try not to rush the selection of an attorney. Give yourself time to reflect on your choices.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 306,469 times.

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Criminal Defense Cases

  • You don’t need to spend a ton of money on a criminal defense attorney, but it’s important to find an attorney who is well-versed in the legal issues you are dealing with. Look for someone who has experience with cases similar to yours, lives nearby, doesn’t have any past misdemeanors, and most importantly, feels like someone who cares about your situation and is motivated to help yo…
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Do You Need to Be present?

  • An attorney can handle the most complicated aspects of your case and help you navigate the legal system. However, you will still need to be present when you consult with your attorney, during the trial, during the sentencing and throughout other important parts of your criminal case. Most of the time, you will be allowed to have your attorney present.
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Finding A Criminal Defense Attorney

  • If you’ve had criminal charges made against you, it’s recommended you seek professional legal advice to help you move forward. This doesn’t mean that you can speak with just any lawyer. You’ll need to find an attorney that has extensive experience in the field that relates to your case. Only someone that has a proven track record of success in defending people with similar charge…
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is the difference between a lawyer and an attorney? A: The words lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably to describe the same job. However, an attorney is a lawyer but a lawyer is not necessarily an attorney. An attorney is someone who has passed the bar exam and is allowed to practice law. A lawyer may have studied law, but they may not always be allowed t…
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Relevant Experience

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When choosing an affordable criminal defense lawyer, focus on the law firms and attorneys who have experience related to your case. A family law attorney who practices divorce law does not necessarily have the same skills or experience as an attorney who tries criminal cases. When choosing your attorney, you should selec…
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Professional Reputation

  • An attorney’s professional reputation can tell you a lot about the quality of their practice. Attorneys who receive recognition for their work not only have proven their success and legal ability but also have the respect of their peers. Some professional recognitions include: 1. Inclusion on the Super Lawyers list, 2. Acknowledgment in local or national magazines and new…
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History of Success

  • You should search for attorneys with a proven history of success. Experience and reputation are important, but they do not always demonstrate whether the attorney can successfully represent a client. Many law firms will list their successes and accolades. When researching a firm’s successes, consider the following: 1. When did they last try a case? 2. What was the type of cas…
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Fair Legal Costs

  • Attorneys who work at a law firm will charge fees for their services. However, the price a lawyer charges does not necessarily equal the quality of the representation you will receive. Not all lawyers have large price tags for their legal services. Good but affordable and low-cost criminal defense lawyers do exist, but you should make sure they are the right fit for you. In addition to pr…
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Contact An Affordable Criminal Defense Attorney Today

  • The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, provides top-quality legal services at a fair price. Our experienced attorneyshave tried more than 100 cases in front of a jury in San Diego County and other California courts. We use our extensive courtroom experience and knowledge of criminal law to fight for our client’s interests. We care deeply about our clients and provide perso…
See more on sddefenseattorneys.com