What is the Cost of Houston Criminal Defense Attorney Fees?
If the number one concern of criminal law defendants is the trouble they are in, usually the number two concern is how much does a criminal lawyer in Texas cost? Nobody budgets for the unexpected cost of hiring legal counsel.
The short answer to legal expense is not very satisfying: It depends. On the experience, ability and credentials of the criminal lawyer. And on the facts of the case. Some cases require just attorney fees. Other cases may involve significant court costs and necessary investigation fees.
Bargain Lawyers May Not Be Not Bargains.
Be careful about trying to find the cheapest lawyer in Houston. Often the reason for unusually low fees is a lack of experience. Or that they charge additional for each appearance fee. A client has the option of limiting the scope of representation, but appearance fee practice can create additional uncertain costs because the legal process tends to go slower than you hope.
In the long run, inexperienced attorneys can cost you money because you may have to hire another lawyer to fix the problem created by the first lawyer. Or if you are innocent and lose your case, you may have to pay costs of appeal. Or just the costs involved with going to jail and having a criminal record.
Just as you shouldn't bargain shop for a plastic surgeon, you shouldn't bargain shop for your lawyer. To date, there's over 70,000 lawyers in Texas, but less than 150 in Houston that are Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law. It can be easy to find a lawyer, but it can be more difficult to find the best lawyer for you and your situation.
Also be wary of an attorney that charges you a huge retainer up front without knowing the details of your case. Criminal cases are not identical, and a fee should be based on considerations of your particular situation.
What Does Stradley Law Charge for Legal Fees?
Please give us a call at (713) 224-5455 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with Bill Stradley to discuss the details of your case and the appropriate fee. We wish we could put a price list on our webpage like you can for some products, but legal services done right don't have a cookie-cutter solution.
We believe our fees are reasonable for the client-service, experience and ability we provide. We don't charge the most in Houston or the least, but we believe we provide great value for the money. You do not get some associate learning the law on your case. For a certain fee as written in our contract, you receive personalized service from Bill Stradley, and further assistance from Stephanie Stradley on an as needed basis if your case is particularly time consuming.
Sometimes your case requires bringing another legal specialist in, like a Family Law attorney, and we tailor your defense for your particular case.
Whether you hire us or not, we suggest that you do not call random lawyers and just say, "How much do you charge for _______?" If you chase the smallest quote without considerations of quality and ability, you may end up being disappointed. The ideal course of action is to set up face to face meeting with a criminal lawyer to see if you feel comfortable and confident with that person being your representative in front of a judge, prosecutor and possibly jury.
Be sure to get your fee agreement in writing, and make sure it is thorough, with no hidden surprises.
Payment Terms.
Please call (713)224-5455 to set up a time for a free initial consultation with Stradley Law. We understand the current difficult economic times, and accept credit cards for payment. Do not delay. Often early representation by a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney can get better results.
