How Much Does It Cost for a Murder Defense?

The total cost will vary based on the facts of the case.

How Much Does It Cost for a Murder Defense?

If you have been charged with murder, you are likely panicked and overwhelmed — and worried about what is to come. One of your chief concerns is probably picking out the best possible lawyer to defend you against these charges. For most people, how much an attorney will charge for a murder defense — and whether they can afford the expense — is another major worry.

There is not an easy answer as to how much a murder defense will cost. There are any number of factors that impact a criminal case, and each of these issues will impact the cost of defending against the charge. Murder is the most serious criminal charge under California criminal law. It will generally cost more to defend than a less serious case, such as shoplifting (which is usually charged s a misdemeanor). Any type of felony case will typically require more court appearances, involve more complicated evidence, and require more difficult and strategic negotiations with prosecutors.

As an initial matter, criminal defense attorneys will begin each case that they take on with an investigation into the facts of the case. They want to know what happened — and not just from the police report or even based on what their clients tell them. This is particularly important when a client is charged with a felony such as murder. A criminal defense lawyer Orange County, CA will often hire an investigator (if they do not have one on staff) to dig into the facts of the case and find out if there is anything that the police might have missed.

Throughout the pre-trial process, a skilled attorney will interview witnesses and closely examine the facts of the case. He or she will also perform legal research determine if there is a basis to have the charges reduced or dismissed. In many cases, a criminal defense lawyer Orange County, CA will file motions, which are legal documents asking the court to do something. All of this takes time and a substantial amount of work.

A more experienced attorney, particularly one who has a good relationship with local prosecutors, may be able to identify the issues in a case more quickly. He or she may also be able to negotiate a favorable plea bargain more easily. While a lawyer with more experience may charge more than a younger attorney, he or she may be able to resolve the case more efficiently.

Another factor that influences the cost of a murder defense is whether the case goes to trial. A trial may take a few days, or as long as several weeks. In many cases, your criminal defense lawyer Orange County, CA will need to hire expert witnesses and make other expenditures to effectively defend you, such as a graphic that displays the scene of the alleged crime to demonstrate to jurors that you couldn’t have possibly done what the prosecutor claims that you did.

Some lawyers charge flat fees, where you pay one amount no matter how much time they spend on the case. The main advantage of this type of arrangement is that you know exactly how much you will spend on your defense. Other attorneys charge an hourly rate, where you pay for each hour that they spend on the case. If the case is resolved quickly, you may spend less overall on the defense.

Because there are so many factors that influence the cost of a murder defense, it can be difficult to predict the overall cost. However, at a free initial consultation, a skilled criminal defense lawyer Orange County, CA can go over the facts of your case with you and give you a better idea of how much your defense may cost. If you have been charged with murder or any other California crime, the Chambers Law Firm can help. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule an appointment.

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