If you have been criminally charged in the Nutmeg State for a domestic violence offense, your experience with the justice system may be very different from that of someone charged with any other type of crime. One thing that does not change in domestic violence cases, though, is the importance of having skilled legal counsel to build and present your defense strategy.
Of course, knowing that you want professional legal support is one thing, and paying for it can be another entirely. While each attorney and firm will approach this matter in unique ways, here is a broad overview of how much you can expect a defense lawyer to charge for a domestic violence case, as well as what specific kinds of services your money would buy.
The average rate for a domestic violence lawyer in the United States is between $250 and $300 per hour. Based on this, the average total cost of services ranges from $795 at the low end to $2,460 at the high end. It is important to emphasize that these are averages rather than guaranteed amounts, and various factors may prompt an attorney to charge more than their average rate for their services.
For example, domestic violence crimes classified as misdemeanors are typically easier to manage from a lawyer’s perspective than crimes classified as felonies, and you can expect to pay more for a lawyer’s services as the severity of your alleged offense increases. Likewise, more experienced domestic violence defense attorneys tend to charge more than attorneys who are new to the field. However, paying for the services of an experienced lawyer can often benefit you in the form of vastly improved case results.
Another factor that affects how much a lawyer will charge is whether your domestic violence case will go to trial. Accepting a plea bargain or otherwise resolving a domestic violence charge without a trial is generally cheaper than the alternative, since it could allow you to avoid paying for costs such as court fees and expert testimony.
You should also keep in mind that your attorney may incur additional expenses while working on your case, which would be incorporated into the rate they charge you. Additional expenses can include filing fees, costs associated with copying and faxing documents, and compensation for in-office staff.
If you are facing domestic violence charges, you may wonder how much lawyers charge for domestic violence defense cases. At Mark Sherman Law, a member of our team can discuss your legal options and explain how we charge for our services. Click here to read what past clients have to say about working with us, and contact Mark Sherman Law today to schedule your confidential consultation.
