what is the cost of a lawyer for drug possession

Whether your lawyer is working on an hourly rate or flat fee, retainers for a criminal defense attorney on drug-related charges start around $2,000-$5,000 for misdemeanors and $5,000-$15,000 for felonies, but can easily be $20,000-$30,000 and more for serious or life felonies, or complex cases that will involve a lot of hours and expert witnesses.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to hire a drug attorney?

Oct 19, 2020 · How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for Drug Possession? The average cost for a defendant facing a misdemeanor charge that reaches trial is an average of $2,500 with costs varying from $2,000 to $3,000. The attorney may require an advance averaging $2,000 per day with prices varying from $1,500 to $2,500 for the US in 2020.

Do I need a lawyer for a drug possession charge?

Sep 12, 2021 · The complexity of your case, the charges you face, any prior criminal history, the lawyers criminal defense experience, and any potential specialists are all part of the costs of a good legal defense. When considering a criminal defense attorney, keep in mind that the cost depends on many factors but your freedom is priceless.

What constitutes a drug possession charge?

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for Drug Possession? If you are charged with misdemeanor drug possession you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000. If you are charged with felony drug possession you can expect to pay a retainer of $2,500 and pay a cost of $1,000 per day of trial according to WeSource .

Why hire an attorney for a drug case?

Whether your lawyer is working on an hourly rate or flat fee, retainers for a criminal defense attorney on drug-related charges start around $2,000-$5,000 for misdemeanors and $5,000-$15,000 for felonies, but can easily be $20,000-$30,000 and more for serious or life felonies, or complex cases that will involve a lot of hours and expert witnesses.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The phrase “Don’t Mess With Texas” is very appropriate when it comes to the Texas court system. Texas is among the highest conviction and incarceration rates in the US. It’s not a place where one can expect to prevail simply because they feel they are innocent. Texas prisons are filled with folks who thought they could “beat the system”.

The Unique Complexity of the Case

To put it simply, the more serious the charges, the more work for an attorney. This will mean higher legal costs as well. Usually there are two factors when it comes to criminal defense cases - the complexity of the case and seriousness of the charges.

Defendants Criminal History (If Applicable)

The cost is also affected by one’s criminal history. The more legal trouble someone has had in the past, the more the lawyer will have to work to make sure that those issues from your past don’t impact your current predicament.

Flat Fee vs Hourly Billing

Civil and family law attorneys often bill by the hour of work done on a case. It’s common for those attorneys to request a portion of the expected total cost upfront as a retainer. As they work on a case, they track the hours and will deduct it from the amount in the retainer.

Before You Meet With a Criminal Defense Attorney

Before you have your first meeting, you should consider what you want from your defense attorney in the first place. For example:

The Meeting

Once you’ve decided to meet, prepare to answer any and all questions the attorney may ask. Depending on the type of case, they may require a little or a lot of information.

Your Case - Your Choice

Now that you understand the cost of a criminal defense attorney, you’re better prepared to find the right lawyer to represent you.

How much does a lawyer cost for a felony?

A lawyer can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 for a felony. TheLawMan says, “ most will agree that the cost for a first-degree felony is at least $10,000, often more. For the most experienced lawyers, you should expect to pay between $35,000 and $100,000 or even more .”.

How much does a criminal defense attorney charge per hour?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 per hour to hire a criminal defense lawyer according to CostHelper. For example, Thumbtack says, “ if an attorney has a $200 hourly fee, he or she may require a 10-hour retainer fee of $2,000 ”

What are the consequences of a felony drug conviction?

Immigration Consequences. The immigration status of an individual found guilty of felony drug convictions may be extremely jeopardized. If it is considered a “crime of moral turpitude” an immigrant may face removal or be deported and have their green card taken away.

What are some examples of felony charges?

Examples of Felony Drug Charges. Depending on state and federal laws, felony charges can be pressed if the type of drug and the quantity you have is considered “Possession of A Controlled Substance .”. For example, a higher amount of marihuana would be required to face felony charges as opposed to crack cocaine.

What is the phone number for a misdemeanor drug charge?

However, misdemeanor drug charges are usually associated with lower fines and jail time instead of a prison sentence. Read on to learn more. (480) 744-7711. INITIAL CONSULTATION.

How long do you go to jail for a felony?

Drug charges are serious. First offense felony drug charges normally lead to a minimum of one year in prison as well as fees and fines. A felony conviction for possession can lead up to two years of prison time and fines in four to five figures. As we said earlier, the penalties can differ regarding the amount and type of drug and whether it was being trafficked or sold and if the person is a repeat offender or not. First time offenders may face up to three years in prison and repeat offenders between three and fifteen years with very heavy fines in both cases.

How much does a psychologist charge for a defense?

Expert witnesses and investigators require an average retainer fee of $2,500 and they may charge in excess of $300 per hour. Attorney’s Fees – Attorney’s fees vary depending on several different factors.

How much does a lawyer charge for a misdemeanor?

A lawyer may charge a flat fee for a specific phase of the case (such as the preliminary/pretrial hearing and motions) or an hourly rate of $100-$300 or more.

What should be included in a drug charge?

What should be included: Drug crimes may include possession, manufacture, delivery, distribution, trafficking and cultivation. Charges may be brought in either the state or federal courts, depending on circumstances. The federal government imposes mandatory minimum sentences [ 1] based on the type of drug ...

Can you hire a lawyer if you are facing a felony?

If you are facing felony charges and can't afford to hire an attorney, you are legally entitled to a lawyer at no charge to you. The judge will either assign a government public defender or appoint a private attorney to represent you.

Can a federal judge lie to the court?

Anything you tell your attorney is confidential, but your attorney cannot lie to the court for you or knowingly offer a false defense.

Can an attorney lie to the court?

Anything you tell your attorney is confidential, but your attorney cannot lie to the court for you or knowingly offer a false defense. FindLaw.com explains what a criminal defense lawyer does [ 2] . There are laws governing all the steps in a criminal case, starting with the investigation, arrest, arraignment and bail procedures.

Do you have to pay an attorney an advance fee?

Either way, you must pay the attorney an advance fee known as a retainer, based either on all or part of the flat fee or an estimated number of hours. If an attorney works on a hourly rate, as legal services are provided, the hourly fee is deducted from the retainer; when it's gone, you will be billed for more money.

Drug Possession: How a Lawyer Can Help

So you want to know more about drug possession – how a lawyer can help. This post should clear up any questions you may have about the severity of drug possession charges and why it pays to seek out the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney near you.

How Can a Lawyer Help with a drug possession charge?

A lawyer can help you understand the law and your rights related to drug possession. They can also help you build a defense and negotiate with prosecutors. If you are convicted of drug possession, a lawyer can help you minimize the consequences.

Understanding the Punishment for Drug Possession

Drug possession carries possible punishments such as an automatic license suspension, fines, and incarceration in prison.

Finding a Lawyer in Your Area That Specializes in Drug Possession

When looking for a lawyer who specializes in drug possession, you should consider the following:

Getting a Criminal Defense Attorney

The process is to find a lawyer, talk to them about your case, and make sure they can represent you in court. You should never try to represent yourself in a criminal case, as the stakes are too high. A good drug possession lawyer can help you understand your rights and what you’re up against.

Texas Drug Possession Laws: What You Need to Know

Under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, it is unlawful to possess a banned substance (illegal drug) without valid authorization. In Texas, drug offenses — and drug possession penalties — fall into five (5) broad categories:

Drug Possession Charges in Texas: Know the True Cost of a Conviction

The true cost of a conviction for drug possession in Texas is often far higher than the stated statutory penalty. For example, imagine a defendant was charged with possessing less than one (1) gram of a Penalty Group 1 drug, such as methamphetamine. Under Texas law, the maximum fine for this offense cannot exceed $10,000.

Were You Arrested on Drug Possession Charges in Texas?

Our criminal lawyers can help. Mark A. Diaz is an experienced drug crime defense attorney. If you or your loved one is facing possession charges, we are more than ready to take aggressive action to protect your legal rights. Contact us now for a completely confidential initial case evaluation.

What is Drug Possession?

Drug possession is a criminal offense for the illegal possession of a controlled substance. Essentially, to be convicted of drug possession charge, you knowingly must have a controlled substance in your possession or within your proximity and control such as in the trunk of your car or in your home.

Drug Possession Laws

Typically, a drug possession law provides the type of controlled substance prohibited and the corresponding punishment. Drug offenses are typically treated as a misdemeanor or felony charge, and some states break these classifications down further into first degree, second degree, and third degree charges in order of severity.

How Serious Is A Drug Possession Charge?

Generally, federal law as well as most state laws determine the severity of drug possession charges based on the type of drug and divide them into “schedules.” The types of drugs in each Schedule are based on the potential for abuse and dependency, with Schedule I posing the most severe risk and Schedule V having the lowest risk, including controlled substances such as:.

Is Possession of Marijuana A Drug Offense?

Although marijuana has been decriminalized or legalized in a number of states, there are still a number of ways a person may be charged with a drug offense for possession of marijuana. Some states only allow for medical use and possession of marijuana, which means using or possessing marijuana for recreational purposes is still a drug crime.

Do I Need An Attorney For Drug Charges?

If you have been arrested for drug possession, working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer or law office might be the right choice for you. Defense attorneys can be an important asset for protecting your rights and minimizing the possible penalties of a drug conviction.

What is the role of a PA drug possession lawyer?

In Pennsylvania, county and state prosecutors work relentlessly with law enforcement officers to investigate and prosecute drug possession crimes. As a result, even a relatively minor drug possession conviction can quickly cause lasting damage to your reputation and future. Therefore, it is critical to an hire experienced PA drug possession lawyer if you are charged with any type of drug offense.

What is the best course of action to protect the future of an individual charged with the illegal possession of drugs or controlled substances

In many situations, the best course of action to protect the future of an individual charged with the illegal possession of drugs or controlled substances is to apply for admission into a pre-trial diversion program. Prosecutors in Bucks County, Montgomery County and the surrounding counties offer these programs to provide a second chance to first-time drug offenders.

What is Section 17 in Pennsylvania?

§ 780-117 (also known as Section 17) of the Pennsylvania Controlled Substances, Drugs, Device and Cosmetic Act . Secondly, admission into the Section 17 program, also referred to as probation without verdict, requires written proof of drug dependency by a physician or psychologist.

What is the Pennsylvania drug diversion program?

The diversionary programs for drug possession cases in Pennsylvania include the Bucks County District Court Diversion Program, Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), Section 17 and Section 18. These programs allow individuals charged with the illegal possession of drugs and controlled substances the opportunity to have their criminal charges dismissed after completion of certain conditions and a period of probation. Participants who successfully complete all of the conditions of the pre-trial drug diversion program are eligible for expungement of the records of their case.

How much marijuana is allowed in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania prohibits possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana under 35 P.S. § 780-113 (a) (16). The threshold amount of 30 grams is equivalent to slightly over 1 ounce of marijuana.

Can you get into the ARD program in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, individuals who have been charged with drug offense for the first time may be eligible for admission into the ARD program, which can enable a person to avoid the serious consequences resulting from a conviction for a drug possession crime. In some cases, ARD may be the best option to resolve your case without a record if you do not qualify for any district court drug diversion programs.

Does the district attorney have to follow the doctor's recommendation?

The district attorney must agree to an applicant’s admission into the Section 18 program even if the doctor advises against prosecution. Even if the doctor advises against prosecution, the district attorney must agree to follow the doctor’s recommendation in order for a candidate to be admitted into the Section 18 program .