Should I Pay a Flat Fee or an Hourly Fee to my Criminal Defense Attorney?
It depends. I know that this is a horrible answer but it is true when you are talking about a criminal defense case. The problem is there are so many factors to consider and every single case is different. If it didn’t matter, then any criminal defense attorney would work, right? If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota, sit down with the best criminal defense attorney you can find to discuss your options.
“Every criminal case is different. What is most important is knowing that your attorney will be there from beginning to end.”
Knowing How Much You are Into Me For . . .
Every criminal case is truly different. Some can be relatively simple and straight forward. The problem is that even the cases that you think are going to be this way can easily go off the rails and all of a sudden you have something really complicated happen. As a result, it can be very very difficult to estimate the amount of time that a criminal case may take from beginning to end. The factors to consider when determining the cost of representation include:
The initial charges.
Any prior record.
The nature of the allegations.
The issues to be challenged prior to trial.
The length of proceeding, the number of appearances and the amount of additional time spent researching aspects of your case.
Behind the scenes negotiations.
The length of trial.
If there is resolution, any pre-sentence investigation or mitigation issues.
Additional complications in the sentencing.
This is only a short list of the possible issues that loom out there in every single criminal case. As a result, knowing that this is also in your criminal defense attorney’s mind may be important.
With all of this being said, it has been our experience that our clients want to know how much they are going to pay for their representation before they retain us. As a result, we almost always represent our clients on a flat fee basis. The reason is we factor all of these issues in and our clients will know that they will have us by their sides throughout the entire case, regardless of the twists and turns. This is critical in order to take the case where it needs to go and to provide the kind of representation that our clients demand and deserve, from beginning to end.
“My clients need to know from the beginning how much they are into me for. Only then, can we roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
If you are facing criminal charges in Minnesota, sit down with the best, most experienced, most respected criminal defense attorney you can find. This is important because if you case matters that much, your attorney must be up to the task.
Go with the Best
Jack Rice is a nationally known and respected criminal defense attorney based in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is also a former prosecutor, former CIA Officer and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Jack’s got your back.