Criminal defense lawyers will almost always charge by the hour, or by a flat fee that is payable up front. Rules of professional conduct for your state quite likely prohibit a lawyer from entering into a contingent fee agreement for a criminal action. Rates can be competitive so it may be to your benefit to shop around. However, lawyers with a good reputation in this area are going to charge more. With your freedom possibly on the line, it may be worthwhile to pay more for a lawyer or a law firm with a great reputation.
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law office of Sonja Duckstein