How much is a lawyer in Southern California?
The cost of a lawyer can vary greatly depending on the type of case, the lawyer’s experience, and the location of the practice. In general, however, lawyers in Southern California charge anywhere from $100 to $700 per hour.
However, you can consult with our experienced defense attorneys right now to find out how much it will cost to defend your case. Call Wallin & Klarich at (877) 466-5245 for straightforward answers and affordable representation.
Let’s go over the cost of hiring a Southern California lawyer and what to do if you can’t afford one.
Type of Attorney Fees in Southern California
Flat rate fees
Some lawyers offer flat rate fees for certain services, such as wills and trusts or simple divorce proceedings. Flat rate fees are a set amount charged for the entire case, regardless of how long it takes to resolve.
Every lawyer in Southern California charges different rates for their services, depending on their experience and the complexity of the cases they handle. You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 for these services, depending on the lawyer you choose.
Hourly fees
When it comes to more complicated legal matters, such as felony assault charges or sex crimes, lawyers will typically charge by the hour. Hourly rates can range from $100 to $700 per hour, again depending on the lawyer you choose and the complexity of your case. Some lawyers may also require a retainer fee upfront.
Retainer Fees
Most people are familiar with the term “retainer fee.” A retainer fee is simply a sum of money that is paid in advance in order to secure the services of an attorney. Retainer fees are generally non-refundable, which means that once you pay a retainer fee to an attorney, you will not be able to get that money back even if you decide not to use the attorney’s services.
In some cases, attorneys may require a retainer fee in order to begin working on a case. In other cases, an attorney may not require a retainer fee but may instead charge an hourly rate for their services. You should ask your attorney up front how they charge for their services so you know what to expect.
How do I find a lawyer?
A quick Google search will return many different defense lawyers and family attorneys in Southern California. In order to sort through this long list and choose the best lawyer for your case, you should meet with them and see how well you get along with the attorney. How do they make you feel?
Aside from the cost and personality, you should look at:
What if I can’t afford an attorney after being arrested for a crime?
If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be able to get a public defender. Public defenders are attorneys who are appointed by the court to represent indigent defendants. To see if you qualify for a public defender, you should contact your local court.
Just remember public defenders typically have large caseloads. To get the one-on-one attention you deserve, contact Wallin & Klarich today for a free consultation and ask about our payment options.
Explore Our Payment Options
Wallin & Klarich believes everyone deserves the best representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer a number of payment plans, including internal financing, and a convenient online portal for easy payments.
We also offer third-party financing to ensure you can access the legal help you need. You can apply for financing online. It’s quick and easy, with plenty of lenders to fit all budgets.
Get a Free Consultation With Experienced Southern California Attorneys
If the police have questioned or arrested you for a crime, you should contact an experienced attorney. Our defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have defended many cases and helped our clients avoid increased fines and jail time, and we can help you too.
At your free consultation, we’ll meet with you to discuss your case for free. We’ll lay your options on the table and tell you how we can help. This meeting is also a great way to get to know us and see if we’re a good fit for your needs.
Protect your rights with a strong defense. Contact Wallin & Klarich today at (877) 466-5245.