QUESTION
Is it normal for a criminal defense attorney to charge up front?
Asked on Apr 23rd, 2013 on Criminal Law - South Carolina
More details to this question:
My wife and I have been shopping around for a criminal defense attorney for our son (he is being charged with assault). Most of the attorneys that we have spoken with have mentioned something about requiring payment up front.
14 ANSWERS
Michael J. Breczinski
That is correct. How many attorneys get paid after the fact or from jail? Attorneys are a profession with one of the biggest rates of nonpaying clients.
Answered on Apr 25th, 2013 at 12:16 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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Yes, it is.
Answered on Apr 25th, 2013 at 12:12 AM
On criminal cases the fee in normally charged up front. This takes away the pressure for the defendant to settle the case on money reasons alone. It also insures that the attorney is paid if the defendant goes to jail.
Answered on Apr 24th, 2013 at 7:51 PM
Absolutely. Most criminal defense attorneys require payment in full in advance.
Answered on Apr 24th, 2013 at 7:43 PM
Yes, that is the practice.
Answered on Apr 24th, 2013 at 1:33 AM
James Edward Smith
It is the custom and practice for criminal attorneys to be retained up front all over the U.S.
Answered on Apr 24th, 2013 at 12:33 AM
The answer is yes, most criminal defense lawyers require a payment up front. The reason for the"up front" payment is that the client is likely to be found guilty and sentenced to pay a fine or jail or both and the likelihood of the lawyer being paid at the end of the case goes down greatly. Therefore, lawyers need to get the money up front.
Answered on Apr 24th, 2013 at 12:29 AM
Alexis Anne Plunkett
Yes that is absolutely standard procedure. If you want a criminal defense attorney, you have to pay that person for their time, which is usually an up-front flat fee.
Answered on Apr 23rd, 2013 at 10:29 PM
Federal Criminal Law Attorney serving Fresno, CA
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Mark A. Broughton, PC
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Yes, that is generally how the retainer is paid in a criminal case. Sometimes attorneys will allow this to be made in a few payments, but the entire fee will have to be paid before the case is concluded.
Answered on Apr 23rd, 2013 at 10:09 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Melrose Park, IL
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The Law Offices of Carlos H. Davalos
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Yes, criminal defense attorneys oftentimes choose to charge on a flat rate basis. This oftentimes entails cash up front.
Answered on Apr 23rd, 2013 at 10:09 PM
3 Awards
No criminal defense attorney with any experience takes a case without money up front - too risky no offense to you - I do not know you - and, I am not a bank.
Answered on Apr 23rd, 2013 at 9:55 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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Yes, criminal defense attorneys almost invariably charge their fee upfront because once the case is over there is very little of any incentive for the client to pay any remaining balance.
Answered on Apr 23rd, 2013 at 9:43 PM
Litigation Attorney serving Charleston, SC
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The Falk Law Firm, LLC
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Because of the nature of criminal defense cases, it is typical for defense counsel to receive their fee in advance.
Answered on Apr 23rd, 2013 at 9:43 PM