Do I need to pay to consult a criminal lawyer about my case?

If you have been accused of a crime, consulting a criminal defense lawyer becomes very important as your attorney can be an invaluable resource when trying to prove your innocence or plea bargain the charges down. However, you may be concerned about the cost of consulting a lawyer, since after all- legal fees can quickly get expensive.

If you wish to have an initial consultation with an attorney, you may not be charged just for that initial discussion. The first session, in which you simply explain your situation and find out what the lawyer can do for you, is often offered for free by the lawyer so that you can see if he is a good fit and so that he can see if you are a good fit. However, often during this first consultation, no legal advice is given and no attorney/client relationship is developed- it is purely a fact finding and discussion interview.

To get actual substantive advice or have real action taken on your case, you may have to pay for the services you are receiving. Often, however, this is a very worthwhile investment as getting a criminal lawyer to help you can result in you facing less stringent penalties or even being able to prove your innocence and walk away without a criminal conviction.