2007-01-16 10:01:34 · 7 answers · asked by Mr.L 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Your question is too generic to be answered correctly here. However, if you are too poor to pay for an atty, contact your state bar office and they will have a referral service for attys who take cases for free (in my state, all attys have to do free legal work--it's called pro bono). How you pay is between you and the atty and it does depend on the type of case. If it's criminal and you're poor, you get a free public defender. If it's an injury case, your atty will take it on a contingency fee basis and get paid from the recovery. All states have a legal services office for the clients who cannot afford to pay. Many attys require an advance payment for costs they incur. Costs are expenses of a case that your lawyer has to pay to a 3rd party, like a process server or a court reporter. That's the best I can do with the facts you have given us.
2007-01-16 10:12:55 · answer #1 · answered by David M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the attorney and the kind of work you want done. If it's a document, that's usually done on a flat fee. If it's a lawsuit and you're the plaintiff, it's sometimes done on a contingency fee basis (you pay nothing unless you win, then you give up a portion of your judgment). Many charge an hourly rate. Some charge for the initial consultation, some don't. All of this should be discussed during the first consulation, as should conflicts, etc.
2007-01-16 18:06:50 · answer #2 · answered by st_mel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Civil or criminal court? If criminal, and you can afford an attorney, a retainer deposit of $3,000 to $5,000 is common if you are going to trial. If you plea bargain, less because no trial costs. If civil case, depends on the issue - dispute of will, or contract issue, landlord problems, etc., will start at $500 and up for retainer, and more if attorney must take it to trial. If the lawyer takes the case on contingency he gets paid from settlement.
2007-01-16 19:19:51 · answer #3 · answered by alaskasourdoughman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Often times the first 15 minutes are no charge, this is to find out if you even have to have a lawyer.
2007-01-16 18:15:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lawyers usually work on a retainer which means you pay up front. When they draw off the retainer they will bill you according to their hourly rate. The retainer is used to pay for various things that are needed to file and schedule court hearings and dates.
2007-01-16 18:05:42 · answer #5 · answered by Tiger by the Tail 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personal injury attorneys are usually paid when there is an award for the damages you are seeking. They deduct from a settlement.
You pay them nothing upfront and the consult is usually free.
2007-01-16 18:09:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what kind of case you have.
2007-01-16 18:04:46 · answer #7 · answered by Starla_C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋