In Illinois, most criminal defense case projects cost between $1,500 and $15,000 per case, with a typical price near $5,000. Local labour, permits and materials move the final price, so treat the range below as a planning guide.
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
At a glance
- Typical range$1,500 – $15,000
- Unitper case
- Cities covered50
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.
By city in Illinois
- Addison
- Alton
- Arlington Heights
- Belleville
- Berwyn
- Bolingbrook
- Buffalo Grove
- Calumet City
- Carbondale
- Carol Stream
- Carpentersville
- Champaign
- Chicago
- Cicero
- Crystal Lake
- DeKalb
- Decatur
- Des Plaines
- Downers Grove
- Elgin
- Elmhurst
- Evanston
- Glenview
- Hanover Park
- Hoffman Estates
- Joliet
- Kankakee
- Lombard
- Moline
- Mount Prospect
- Naperville
- Normal
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- Orland Park
- Palatine
- Park Ridge
- Peoria
- Rock Island
- Rockford
- Romeoville
- Round Lake Beach
- Schaumburg
- Skokie
- Springfield
- Streamwood
- Tinley Park
- Urbana
- Waukegan
- Wheaton
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.