How Much Does Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Criminal Defense Lawyer Include?
Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals charged with crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Costs depend heavily on the severity of charges.
The national average cost for criminal defense lawyer is $8,000 per case. Most homeowners pay between $2,500 and $25,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Charge Level
Misdemeanor: $2,500-$7,500. Felony: $5,000-$25,000. Serious felony: $10,000-$100,000+
Trial
Cases going to trial typically double or triple the total cost
Attorney Rate
Criminal defense attorneys charge $150-$500/hour depending on experience and location
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Severity of charges
- ✓Misdemeanor vs felony
- ✓Complexity of case
- ✓Attorney experience
- ✓Plea vs trial
- ✓Location
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Ask about flat fees for straightforward cases
- 2.Public defenders are free if you qualify financially
- 3.Get quotes from multiple attorneys
- 4.Consider newer attorneys who may charge less but are still qualified
📈 Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost Trends (2022–2026)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $6,796 | — |
| 2023 | $7,081 | +4.2% |
| 2024 | $7,541 | +6.5% |
| 2025 | $7,752 | +2.8% |
| 2026 | $8,000 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,050 | $6,560 | $20,500 |
| Alaska | $3,200 | $10,240 | $32,000 |
| Arizona | $2,375 | $7,600 | $23,750 |
| Arkansas | $2,000 | $6,400 | $20,000 |
| California | $3,375 | $10,800 | $33,750 |
| Colorado | $2,700 | $8,640 | $27,000 |
| Connecticut | $3,050 | $9,760 | $30,500 |
| Delaware | $2,625 | $8,400 | $26,250 |
| District of Columbia | $3,125 | $10,000 | $31,250 |
| Florida | $2,450 | $7,840 | $24,500 |
| Georgia | $2,250 | $7,200 | $22,500 |
| Hawaii | $3,550 | $11,360 | $35,500 |
| Idaho | $2,300 | $7,360 | $23,000 |
| Illinois | $2,625 | $8,400 | $26,250 |
| Indiana | $2,200 | $7,040 | $22,000 |
| Iowa | $2,150 | $6,880 | $21,500 |
| Kansas | $2,125 | $6,800 | $21,250 |
| Kentucky | $2,100 | $6,720 | $21,000 |
| Louisiana | $2,175 | $6,960 | $21,750 |
| Maine | $2,550 | $8,160 | $25,500 |
| Maryland | $2,875 | $9,200 | $28,750 |
| Massachusetts | $3,250 | $10,400 | $32,500 |
| Michigan | $2,300 | $7,360 | $23,000 |
| Minnesota | $2,550 | $8,160 | $25,500 |
| Mississippi | $1,950 | $6,240 | $19,500 |
| Missouri | $2,175 | $6,960 | $21,750 |
| Montana | $2,375 | $7,600 | $23,750 |
| Nebraska | $2,200 | $7,040 | $22,000 |
| Nevada | $2,550 | $8,160 | $25,500 |
| New Hampshire | $2,800 | $8,960 | $28,000 |
| New Jersey | $3,125 | $10,000 | $31,250 |
| New Mexico | $2,250 | $7,200 | $22,500 |
| New York | $3,300 | $10,560 | $33,000 |
| North Carolina | $2,250 | $7,200 | $22,500 |
| North Dakota | $2,250 | $7,200 | $22,500 |
| Ohio | $2,250 | $7,200 | $22,500 |
| Oklahoma | $2,075 | $6,640 | $20,750 |
| Oregon | $2,750 | $8,800 | $27,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,550 | $8,160 | $25,500 |
| Rhode Island | $2,875 | $9,200 | $28,750 |
| South Carolina | $2,175 | $6,960 | $21,750 |
| South Dakota | $2,125 | $6,800 | $21,250 |
| Tennessee | $2,150 | $6,880 | $21,500 |
| Texas | $2,325 | $7,440 | $23,250 |
| Utah | $2,375 | $7,600 | $23,750 |
| Vermont | $2,700 | $8,640 | $27,000 |
| Virginia | $2,625 | $8,400 | $26,250 |
| Washington | $2,875 | $9,200 | $28,750 |
| West Virginia | $2,000 | $6,400 | $20,000 |
| Wisconsin | $2,350 | $7,520 | $23,500 |
| Wyoming | $2,300 | $7,360 | $23,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I negotiate attorney fees?
Yes. Many criminal defense attorneys are willing to set up payment plans or negotiate flat fees, especially for straightforward cases.
Is a public defender good enough?
Public defenders are licensed attorneys, but they often carry heavy caseloads. For serious charges, a private attorney can devote more time and resources to your case.
🏙️ Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost by City
Compare criminal defense lawyer costs in the most popular US cities:
View all 219 cities →
Related Cost Guides
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Criminal Defense Lawyer
Recent Reports
📐 Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost Calculator
Get a personalized estimate based on your project details
Get a Free Consultation
Speak with experienced attorneys in your area. No obligation.
🔍 Find a Top-Rated Lawyer
Get matched with experienced attorneys in your area. Free initial consultations available.
* CostWhale may earn a commission. This doesn't affect our pricing data or recommendations.
💰 Get Weekly Cost-Saving Tips
Join 10,000+ smart homeowners. Unsubscribe anytime.