how much does it cost to defend yourself in a trial for lawyer fees?

Question

a family member is being tried for rape because he had sex with a grilfriend when she was passed out. he was also drunk but is being charged with rape after they broke up.

Answer 1

Most criminal defense lawyers start around $300 per hour. I'd say between $10-$15k to get started.

Answer 2

Attorney's fees vary greatly by state, geographic region, and also depend on the attorney's expertise and experience. However, there are attorneys out there whose fees are probably not worth the money they charge. (This is true of most professions, however).

Its impossible to give you a clearer idea, because you didn't indicate what area of the country you were in. In my area of the country, $200 per hour would be pretty common, with at least a $10,000 retainer. That would also probably take matters up to the point of going to trial with the case. The trial of the case, if it came to that, could easily be another $10,000 to $15,000.

Answer 3

If your family member is looking for an affordable way to get access to an Attorney/Law Firm in their State, please contact me. No matter what the Legal issue is, this will save hime money and have time for his Trial Deffense. This is the best way to talk to an Attorney with out the Large up-front costs or large hourly rates. I hope to be of service to your family member.

Sincerely,

Jon

Answer 4

I would say in general they will want a 5000 retainer to start and most likely it it actually goes to trial, maybe another 5000.

Now this is a low est for a normal ( not well known famous attorney)

Answer 5

It sounds to me like he did what he is accused of doing. If that is the case, a plea bargain may be advisable. That should cost less than a trial. Phil R's answer looks best to me so far.

Answer 6

10,000.00 to start you may need to put 5,000 down just to talk.