Most criminal defense case projects cost between $1,500 and $15,000 per case, with a typical price near $5,000. Prices vary by state and city, so the range below is a planning guide rather than a quote.
Typical criminal defense case cost
$1,500 – $15,000
per case · typical $5,000
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Criminal defense case cost breakdown
- Misdemeanor (DUI, petty theft)$1,500 – $5,000typical $3,000
- Felony (drug, assault)$5,000 – $15,000typical $10,000
- Complex federal case$15,000 – $50,000typical $30,000
What Criminal Defense costs
Legal fees for misdemeanor or felony defense. Misdemeanors run $1,500–$5,000; felonies $5,000–$15,000+ for trial. Costs depend on case complexity and attorney experience.
Costs by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently asked questions
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
Misdemeanor cases cost $1,500–$5,000; felonies $5,000–$15,000. Complex cases can exceed $50,000. Public defenders are free but overworked.
What affects criminal defense fees?
Severity of charges, case complexity, attorney reputation, and time spent. Trial preparation and expert witnesses add costs.
How can I afford a criminal defense lawyer?
Payment plans, flat fees, or pro bono services. Some lawyers offer reduced rates for certain cases. Don't choose solely on price—experience matters.