QUESTION
What is the average attorney’s fee for a theft case?
Asked on Oct 25th, 2012 on Criminal Law - New York
More details to this question:
Granddaughter has been charged with theft. Items were left in bottom of cart. She will appear before the judge on November 10.
10 ANSWERS
John J. Carney
Call my office to get a referral to a good criminal lawyer in your area. A good lawyer can get an ACD dismissal for $1,000 or less and she will not have a criminal record.
Answered on Nov 02nd, 2012 at 10:25 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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Between $1,500 and $5,000 depending on the attorney's experience, the distance between the attorney's office and the court where the case was filed, the exact charges filed against your granddaughter and whether the case can be disposed of before trial or whether a trial is necessary. Remember this is only an average. Some attorneys may charge more or less than the average.
Answered on Oct 28th, 2012 at 1:19 AM
Depends on how difficult the case is for the lawyer. This sounds fairly easy so probably starting around $1500. But trial could add more or if a diversion case it could be less.
Answered on Oct 27th, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Orange, CA
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Law Office of Joe Dane
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There's no way to just quote a fee without knowing more details. You're going to have to sit down with a few attorneys to discuss the case and then discuss fees. It may matter if the case is going to go to trial, if there are legal motions to file, etc. When looking for a lawyer, look for somebody who focuses on criminal defense, not just an attorney who happens to do some criminal work. Look for somebody who routinely practices in the court where the case will be heard. Don't go based on price alone. Cheaper isn't always best, since you might get somebody who takes a ton of cases cheaply and cannot focus on any particular case. Also - more expensive doesn't mean better either. They could have a huge overhead to maintain and you're paying for the office, not for their skill. Instead, go with your instinct and who can answer your questions adequately, gives you a sense of their strategy, etc. Good luck.
Answered on Oct 27th, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Michael J. Breczinski
Depends on where the case is but I have seen about a thousand dollars on average.
Answered on Oct 27th, 2012 at 9:52 AM
A couple grand. Theft is a crime of moral turpitude, and having it means she can kiss her school/career aspirations goodbye. She better hire a good lawyer, because that is money well spent.
Answered on Oct 27th, 2012 at 9:51 AM
James Edward Smith
$2,000
Answered on Oct 27th, 2012 at 9:50 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Fullerton, CA
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The Law Offices of John W. Bussman
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That depends on a lot of factors (e.g. your daughter's priors, the exact charges she is facing, the location, the attorney's experience and skill, etc.). If money is an issue for you, your daughter might qualify for the public defender. DO NOT simply pick the cheapest private attorney. You wouldn't pick the cheapest surgeon, would you?
Answered on Oct 27th, 2012 at 9:50 AM
Gary Moore
The fee depends on the seriousness of the charge and the amount allegedly stolen. My impression is that the charge is shoplifting. The fee could be $1,500.00 to $3,500.00 depending on what has to be done by the lawyer.
Answered on Oct 27th, 2012 at 9:49 AM
Personal Injury Attorney serving New York, NY
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Rothstein Law PLLC
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Every lawyer is different depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer's experience. If this case is in NYC feel free to call me. I am a former federal and State prosecutor and have been doing criminal defense work for over 16 years. I was named to the Super Lawyers list as one of the top attorneys in New York for 2012. No more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by Super Lawyers.
Answered on Oct 27th, 2012 at 9:46 AM