2024 How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

A criminal defense attorney’s primary role is to protect and defend the rights of their client. You should contact a criminal defense attorney when your rights are in danger of being violated, such as when you are accused of or charged with a crime or you are being questioned for a crime. Reaching out to a criminal defense attorney in Hickory, NC, could be the most significant choice you make in your situation. However, you may be concerned about the criminal defense lawyer cost in North Carolina.

When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

There are many different situations that a criminal defense attorney can help you understand or mediate. Most people assume you should only contact a criminal defense attorney when you have been charged with a crime. While that is definitely a situation that calls for legal representation, it is not the only one. Here are some examples of situations that warrant a criminal defense attorney:

• Accused of or Charged With a Crime: Regardless of the crime you may have committed and are being accused of or charged with, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. An experienced attorney can help guide you through your potential defense and help you better understand what you are being charged with if you are being charged at all. If you do not retain a lawyer, things could get much worse for you.
• Questioned by the Police: If you are being questioned by the police in connection with a crime that was committed, you do not have to say anything without proper legal representation present. Contact a criminal defense lawyer to be present during your questioning. Police may try to be friendly or make you comfortable in an effort to get you to say something you may regret later. Say nothing without a lawyer present.
• Wrongfully Accused: Terrible situations sometimes occur when an innocent person is wrongfully accused of committing a crime. Law enforcement may be so focused on proving that person’s supposed guilt that they fail to pursue other leads. Your greatest chance of clearing your name in this type of unfortunate situation is to contact a criminal defense lawyer and have them represent your interests. Someone has to advocate for your innocence.
• Appeals: If you are serving time in jail or prison for whatever reason, you have a right to appeal your case. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help you know where your appeals process stands and whether you have a solid legal case to build. They may be able to help you get your sentence reduced.

Cost of Representation

It is important to discuss your potential attorney’s rates before agreeing to hire them for your case. Typically, most criminal defense attorneys in North Carolina charge anywhere between $100 to $500 per hour for their time and services. Some attorneys want a retainer upfront, while others do not. It is entirely dependent on the attorney, their experience, their legal area of focus, and the severity of your case.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

A: The average cost of a criminal lawyer in North Carolina is around $145 per hour, but that number changes depending on a number of factors, including the lawyer’s experience and reputation. A more well-known, publicized lawyer will charge more for their services than someone who is just starting out and hasn’t gotten their name out there yet. Largely, the amount that your lawyer will charge you depends on the severity of your case and how difficult it will be to represent you.

Q: How Much Does a Public Defender Cost in North Carolina?

A: A public defender, or court-appointed lawyer, costs you nothing initially. However, if you are found guilty in court or found to be in contempt, you will have to pay the state of North Carolina back for that attorney’s services. Those fees tend to range anywhere between $55 and $75 per hour. If you successfully win your case, you do not have to pay anything for the public defender.

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Speeding Ticket in North Carolina?

A: Typically, hiring a traffic lawyer to challenge the fine from a speeding ticket should cost you anywhere between $70 and $250, not including court costs. A lot of factors have to be considered, such as:

• How fast you were speeding
• Your history of moving violations
• The county where you received the ticket
• Whether your lawyer wants to handle the case themselves

Some lawyers may charge more for speeding violations because they have other cases prioritizing their time.

Q: Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer for a Speeding Ticket in North Carolina?

A: Any solution that ends up with fewer legal issues and less hassle is definitely worth it, and that includes getting a lawyer to challenge your speeding ticket. At the very least, it is worth meeting with an attorney and discussing what your options are. That can’t hurt. You might find that you have a stronger case for a dismissal than you thought you did.

If You Need Representation, Reach Out Today

Most people who are looking into hiring a criminal defense attorney are doing so because they are in a rough situation. They are facing serious criminal charges and are on the verge of panic. An experienced criminal defense attorney could make or break your case. You need someone who understands the ins and outs of the law to tell you everything you need to know. That way, you can be prepared to fight your charges or your conviction.

At Cody Law Firm, we are determined to provide you with sound legal counsel and help you make the right decisions in your particular case. We understand how stressed out and terrified you might be at this time. Criminal charges can lead to serious consequences. Without the right criminal defense attorney in your corner, your case could go from bad to worse very quickly. For more information, contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.